Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal to Lead India’s Delegation for 8th WTO Trade Policy Review

India’s 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) meeting at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is scheduled to be held on 21st and 23rd July 2026. India’s official delegation for the TPR is headed by Commerce Secretary, Shri Rajesh Agarwal.

The review is carried out on the basis of two principal documents; a policy statement submitted by the Member under review (Government Report) and a report prepared by the WTO Secretariat, which is circulated to all Members. All WTO Members are subject to review at regular intervals, with the frequency determined by their share of world trade. India’s TPRs are conducted once every five years. The 8th TPR covers the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

The TPR process for India began in June 2025. Over the fourteen-month period, the Department of Commerce, in consultation with more than 100 Ministries, Departments and Organisations, participated in the process.

India’s performance during the review period has demonstrated remarkable resilience. 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.

India’s external trade has also remained resilient despite challenging global conditions. 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 US$ 676.5 billion in 2021–22.

The Government Report and the WTO Secretariat Report highlight several achievements of India during the review period. These include India’s strong engagement with its trading partners through various Free Trade Agreements, tax reforms such as the rationalisation and simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, and several digital initiatives, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the incorporation of digital tools for trade facilitation.

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. The questions cover areas including digitisation and related reforms, MSMEs, women’s participation in the economy, Viksit Bharat and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

More than 40 WTO Members are expected to deliver statements during the review. The Indian delegation will present India’s position and perspective on various issues of interest to Members and will also share India’s vision for the future.

The TPR is an important transparency mechanism under the WTO. It entails a comprehensive peer review of a Member’s trade policies, consisting of a multitude of border and behind-the-border measures, to enhance transparency, predictability and understanding in the WTO. Trade policy reviews are conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), which comprises the entire membership of the WTO.