India Completes WTO Trade Policy Review, Highlights Tariff Reforms and FTA Strategy
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-25 11:28:54
India Completes WTO Trade Policy Review; Emphasizes Tariff Reforms and FTA Strategy
India has concluded the second and final session of its eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. With this, the periodic review of India's trade and related policies—conducted under the WTO's transparency and monitoring mechanism—has been completed.
This review is significant for exporters, importers, and manufacturers in the textile and apparel sectors, as it addressed key policy areas affecting market access and supply-chain planning. These included tariff reforms, measures to streamline customs procedures, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategies, technical regulations, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and trade remedies.
During the review process, India received a total of 1,094 written questions from 44 WTO members. Additionally, 68 WTO members shared their views during the two review sessions held on July 21 and 23, 2026.
The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. He stated that trade reform is a continuous process and reaffirmed India's commitment to an open, transparent, and predictable trade and investment regime.
He noted that India's tariff reforms, measures to simplify customs procedures, and FTA strategies have not only supported the country's domestic development goals but also strengthened its integration with the global economy.
Responding to queries raised by WTO members, Agrawal stated that India's trade policies are guided by WTO-consistent principles while also addressing the developmental needs of a large developing economy.
He explained that the tariff structure for the agricultural sector aims to protect the interests of small, low-income, and resource-constrained farmers, whereas industrial tariffs support supply-chain resilience, diversification, and domestic manufacturing capabilities. He reiterated India's commitment to transparency, stakeholder consultation, and adherence to WTO rules regarding Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical regulations, and trade measures.
He also stated that India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) aim to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, while trade measures are examined transparently based on solid evidence, due process, and judicial oversight.
During the review, WTO members appreciated India's efforts regarding digital public infrastructure, the modernization of customs and trade facilitation, innovation and startup initiatives, regional trade agreements, and the integration of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into global value chains. Members also welcomed India's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
On the issue of WTO reforms, India reiterated its support for an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system. India also emphasized that future reforms should be development-centric, preserve adequate policy space for developing countries, and fulfill the WTO's existing mandates.
