THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JULY 20, 2026

India is set to undergo its 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on July 21 and 23, with Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal leading the country's official delegation. The review, conducted once every five years, will assess India's trade policies and economic developments during the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025.

The Trade Policy Review is based on two key documents—a Government Report submitted by the member country under review and an independent report prepared by the WTO Secretariat, which is circulated among all WTO members. As part of the WTO's transparency mechanism, every member nation undergoes periodic reviews, with the frequency determined by its share in global trade.

India's latest review process began in June 2025 and involved an extensive fourteen-month exercise coordinated by the Department of Commerce in consultation with more than 100 ministries, departments and organisations.

According to the Government Report, India displayed remarkable economic resilience during the review period. Despite the pandemic-induced slowdown and heightened global uncertainties, the country's economy rebounded strongly and sustained robust growth, emerging as the fastest-growing among major economies.

India's external trade also maintained its momentum despite a challenging global environment. Total merchandise and services exports touched a record US$863.1 billion in 2025-26, marking a 6.3 per cent increase from US$676.5 billion recorded in 2021-22.

The Government Report and the WTO Secretariat Report also highlight several key reforms and achievements, including India's expanding engagement with global trading partners through Free Trade Agreements, tax reforms such as the rationalisation and simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, and major digital initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the integration of digital tools for trade facilitation.

Reflecting growing international interest in India's economic trajectory, WTO members had submitted more than 900 questions for India's written responses as of July 20, 2026. The queries span a broad range of subjects, including digitisation and related reforms, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women's participation in the economy, Viksit Bharat and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

More than 40 WTO members are expected to make statements during the review. The Indian delegation will present the country's position on issues raised by member nations while outlining India's vision for the future of trade and economic growth.

The Trade Policy Review remains a key transparency mechanism under the WTO, providing a comprehensive peer assessment of a member's trade policies, including both border and behind-the-border measures. Conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), which comprises the entire WTO membership, the exercise aims to enhance transparency, predictability and a deeper understanding of members' trade policy frameworks.