India is set to undergo its eighth Trade Policy review at the World Trade Organization (WTO), a significant exercise that evaluates the country’s trade framework, economic reforms, and international commerce practices. Scheduled for July 21 and 23, the review comes at a time when India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and achieved record-breaking export performance.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal will lead India’s official delegation during the review, where representatives from more than 40 WTO member nations are expected to participate. The Trade Policy review is considered one of the WTO’s most important transparency mechanisms, allowing member countries to examine each other’s trade policies, ask questions, and better understand the direction of national economic strategies.
This year’s review is especially important because it reflects India’s economic journey between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025—a period marked by recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, India’s Trade Policy framework has evolved with reforms, digital transformation, and stronger international trade partnerships.
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What Is the WTO Trade Policy Review?
The Trade Policy Review is a regular assessment conducted by the World Trade Organization to improve transparency and promote better understanding of each member country’s trade system. Every WTO member undergoes this review at different intervals depending on the size of its economy. India, being one of the world’s largest trading nations, faces this review every five years.
The review is conducted through two primary documents. The first is an official policy statement prepared by the Indian government, explaining its Trade Policy priorities, reforms, achievements, and future plans. The second is an independent report prepared by the WTO Secretariat after examining India’s economic performance, regulatory framework, and trade-related measures.
Unlike a dispute settlement process, the review is not designed to criticize or penalize countries. Instead, it serves as a peer-review mechanism where WTO members ask questions, seek clarifications, and exchange views on trade-related developments.
Extensive Preparations Reflect India’s Growing Trade Importance
The preparation for India’s latest Trade Policy review began in June 2025, well over a year before the actual discussions. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Commerce coordinated with more than 100 ministries, departments, and government organizations to compile data, policy updates, and responses covering multiple sectors.
Such extensive coordination highlights how modern Trade Policy extends beyond exports and imports. Today’s trade ecosystem includes manufacturing, agriculture, digital services, taxation, logistics, intellectual property, investment, financial technology, and environmental sustainability.
The government’s comprehensive approach ensures that India’s presentation before the WTO reflects developments across the entire economy rather than focusing solely on merchandise trade.
Record Export Performance Strengthens India’s Position
One of the strongest achievements highlighted during this Trade Policy review is India’s record export growth.
According to official government figures, India’s combined merchandise and services exports reached an all-time high of USD 863.1 billion during 2025-26. This represents a substantial increase from USD 676.5 billion recorded in 2021-22.
The impressive export growth demonstrates the country’s expanding role in global markets despite continuing economic uncertainty across many regions of the world.
Several factors have contributed to this performance:
- Growth in information technology and digital services.
- Rising pharmaceutical exports.
- Strong engineering goods shipments.
- Increased agricultural exports.
- Expansion of electronics manufacturing.
- Better market access through trade agreements.
The export figures also indicate that India’s Trade Policy has increasingly focused on diversification, allowing businesses to reach new international markets instead of relying heavily on a limited number of destinations.
Economic Recovery During a Challenging Global Environment
The review period covered one of the most difficult phases for the global economy.
Many countries struggled with supply chain disruptions, rising inflation, energy price shocks, and slower economic growth following the pandemic. Despite these external pressures, India managed to recover quickly and maintained its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
Government officials attribute this resilience to multiple structural reforms that strengthened domestic demand while improving the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
Infrastructure investment, manufacturing incentives, digital governance, and improvements in ease of doing business all played important roles in supporting India’s broader Trade Policy objectives.
Expanding Free Trade Agreements
Another major focus during the Trade Policy review is India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
In recent years, India has actively pursued trade partnerships with several countries and regional blocs to improve market access for Indian businesses while encouraging foreign investment.
These agreements reduce tariffs, simplify customs procedures, and create opportunities for exporters across manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and services.
The WTO Secretariat’s assessment recognizes these developments as part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen global economic integration while protecting domestic interests where necessary.
Experts believe that carefully negotiated trade agreements can help Indian exporters compete more effectively in international markets by reducing barriers and improving access to consumers worldwide.
GST Reforms Continue to Support Trade
Tax reforms also form an important part of India’s Trade Policy discussion.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced several years ago, continues to undergo rationalization aimed at simplifying taxation and reducing compliance burdens for businesses.
A more streamlined indirect tax system benefits exporters by improving efficiency across supply chains and reducing transaction costs.
Businesses operating across multiple states have particularly benefited from greater tax uniformity, making interstate trade smoother and supporting manufacturing competitiveness.
The WTO review examines such reforms because efficient domestic taxation directly influences international trade performance.
Digital Transformation Becomes a Major Strength
India’s digital achievements have become an increasingly important pillar of its Trade Policy framework.
The WTO documents highlight several digital initiatives that have transformed business operations and trade facilitation.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments by enabling fast, secure, and low-cost financial transactions.
Alongside UPI, the government has expanded the use of digital documentation, online customs systems, electronic certification, and paperless trade procedures.
These initiatives reduce administrative delays, improve transparency, and lower transaction costs for businesses engaged in international commerce.
Digital governance has also helped small businesses participate more effectively in exports by making compliance processes simpler and more accessible.
WTO Members Show Strong Interest in India’s Policies
One of the most notable developments ahead of the Trade Policy review is the exceptionally high level of interest shown by WTO members.
As of July 20, member countries had submitted more than 900 questions seeking clarification on different aspects of India’s trade framework.
The large number of questions reflects India’s growing importance in the global economy and the increasing international attention on its policy direction.
The questions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Digital transformation initiatives.
- Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Women’s participation in economic growth.
- India’s Viksit Bharat vision.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Trade facilitation measures.
- Regulatory reforms.
- Investment policies.
- Sustainability and future economic priorities.
Responding to these questions provides India with an opportunity to explain the rationale behind its policy decisions while highlighting ongoing reforms.
India’s Delegation to Present Future Vision
During the two-day review, the Indian delegation will respond to questions from WTO members, explain recent reforms, and present its broader vision for economic growth.
Officials are expected to emphasize that India’s Trade Policy seeks to balance domestic development priorities with international trade commitments.
The delegation is also likely to highlight how policy reforms aim to improve competitiveness, encourage innovation, strengthen manufacturing, support digital commerce, and create employment opportunities while maintaining inclusive economic growth.
With more than 40 WTO members expected to deliver formal statements, the discussions will provide valuable feedback on how India’s trade framework is viewed internationally.
The review also offers an opportunity for India to showcase its economic achievements, explain ongoing reforms, and reinforce its commitment to transparent, rules-based global trade while continuing to adapt its Trade Policy to meet the changing demands of the global economy.
