India's 8th Trade Policy Review at WTO to begin on July 21

India will undergo its eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO on July 21 and 23 for the 2021-25 period. Led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, the delegation will address over 900 questions on the country's growing economy and trade profile.

India will undergo its eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on July 21 and 23, during which WTO members will review the country's trade policies for the 2021-25 period, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal will lead India's official delegation for the review, which is conducted once every five years. The current review covers the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025.

Extensive Scrutiny from WTO Members

According to the ministry, "As on 20 July 2026, WTO Members have submitted more than 900 questions for India's written responses, reflecting significant interest in India's growing economy and trade profile." It said the questions cover areas including digitisation and related reforms, MSMEs, women's participation in the economy, Viksit Bharat and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

India's Position: Resilience and Record Exports

The government said India's economy remained resilient during the review period despite global uncertainties. "Following the pandemic-induced contraction and increased global uncertainties, the economy staged a strong rebound and has since sustained high growth rates, establishing itself as the fastest-growing among major economies," the government said in its policy statement prepared for the review.

The release also highlighted India's export performance during the review period. It said, "In 2025-26, total exports of merchandise and services reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion," registering a growth of 6.3 per cent over 2021-22.

Key Reforms and Digital Initiatives Highlighted

According to the ministry, both the Government Report and the WTO Secretariat Report have highlighted India's trade engagement through free trade agreements, GST reforms and digital initiatives such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the use of digital tools for trade facilitation.

Review Mechanism and Participation

More than 40 WTO members are expected to deliver statements during the review, while the Indian delegation will present the country's position on issues raised by members and outline its future vision.

The Trade Policy Review is a transparency mechanism under the WTO that provides a comprehensive peer review of a member's trade policies. It is conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), which comprises the entire WTO membership. (ANI)

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