India’s eighth Trade Policy Review at WTO

India’s eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being held on 21 and 23 July 2026, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal leading India’s official delegation.

About WTO’s Trade Policy Review

The Trade Policy Review, conducted once every five years for India, examines the country’s trade policies and practices and provides an opportunity for WTO members to assess India’s trade regime through a comprehensive peer review process.

The latest review covers India’s trade policy developments during the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

WTO Trade Policy Review Mechanism

The WTO’s Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) is based on two key documents:

• A policy statement submitted by the WTO member under review.
• An independent report prepared by the WTO Secretariat.

The review is conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), which comprises all WTO members.

The mechanism aims to enhance:

• Transparency in trade policies.
• Predictability of the global trading environment.
• Better understanding of members’ trade policies and practices.
• Peer learning and constructive evaluation among WTO members.

India’s Trade Performance

According to government data, India’s combined merchandise and services exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in 2025–26, compared with US$676.5 billion in 2021–22.

The review highlights India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and reforms aimed at improving the trade and business environment.

It also takes note of initiatives such as:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and rationalisation.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital payment infrastructure.
• Adoption of digital tools and technology to facilitate international trade.
• Expansion of India’s network of trade agreements and economic partnerships.

Source: DD

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