Overview
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry will host the 8th Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO. The review is scheduled for 21 and 23 July 2026 and will be headed by Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal.
Key Developments
- India’s TPR covers the period 1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2025, a five‑year window.
- Over 100 ministries, departments and organisations consulted during the fourteen‑month preparation that began in June 2025.
- More than 900 written questions have been received from WTO members, reflecting keen interest in India’s trade trajectory.
- Forty‑plus WTO members are expected to deliver statements during the review.
Important Facts
India’s external trade showed resilience despite global headwinds. In 2025‑26, total exports of merchandise and services reached an all‑time high of US$ 863.1 billion, a 6.3 % increase over the US$ 676.5 billion recorded in 2021‑22. The Government Report and WTO Secretariat Report highlighted several achievements:
- Active engagement through multiple FTAs.
- Tax reforms, notably the rationalisation and simplification of the GST structure.
- Digital initiatives such as the UPI and the use of digital tools for trade facilitation.
- Focus on MSMEs, women’s participation, and flagship programmes like Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and Viksit Bharat.
Exam Relevance
The TPR is a key transparency tool under the WTO, conducted by the TPRB. Understanding India’s performance helps aspirants answer questions on:
- India’s trade policy trajectory and its alignment with global norms.
- Impact of tax and digital reforms on export competitiveness.
- Role of flagship programmes in enhancing domestic industry and export capacity.
- India’s engagement with multilateral institutions and its diplomatic leverage.
Way Forward
Going ahead, the Indian delegation is expected to:
- Present a comprehensive narrative of trade resilience and growth.
- Address the 900+ queries, especially on digital trade, MSME support, and gender inclusion.
- Highlight future policy directions, such as deeper FTA negotiations, further GST simplification, and scaling up digital trade facilitation.
- Seek constructive feedback from WTO members to fine‑tune India’s trade strategy.
For UPSC candidates, tracking the outcomes of this review will provide insights into India’s evolving trade architecture and its implications for economic development, foreign policy and domestic reforms.