India’s 8th WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) – 2026
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- Context: India’s 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) commenced on July 21, 2026, at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. During the review, India reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, rules-based, inclusive, and development-oriented multilateral trading system.
- It reviews India’s trade policies implemented from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025.
About the World Trade Organization (WTO)
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- Established on January 1, 1995, Successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1947.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Members: 166 (as of 2026).
- India is a founding member.
Objectives of the WTO
- To promote free, fair, and predictable international trade.
- To reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers.
- To provide a rules-based multilateral trading system.
- To resolve trade disputes between member nations.
- To enhance transparency in trade policies.
- To support the integration of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) into global trade.
- To raise standards of living, create employment, and promote sustainable development.
Highlights of India’s 8th Trade Policy Review
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- During the 2021–2025 period, India recorded an average annual GDP growth of nearly 8%.
- India’s exports reached US$ 863.1 billion in 2025–26.
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- India reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system.
- Emphasis was placed on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) while integrating with Global Value Chains (GVCs).
Objectives of India’s trade policy
- Promoting exports and economic growth.
- Strengthening India’s participation in global value chains.
- Facilitating ease of doing business.
- Enhancing trade facilitation through digital reforms.
- Building resilient supply chains.
- Supporting MSMEs and startups.
- Promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
- Advocating for balanced and development-oriented WTO reforms.
Current Facts
TIRUKKURAL
‘Tis energy gives men o’er that they own a true control;
They nothing own who own not energy of soul
Explanation: Energy makes out the man of property; as for those who are destitute of it, do they (really) possess what they possess ?
