The World Trade Organization (WTO), in its report on India’s 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR), has urged India to reduce its reliance on trade-restrictive measures, according to an Economic Times report dated July 21, 2026. The WTO noted that India’s policy framework continues to rely on relatively high tariffs, import and export controls, state trading enterprises, and extensive budgetary support programmes. New Delhi, in its own report submitted for the review, countered by highlighting that non-tariff measures imposed by some trading partners—including complex standards, conformity assessment procedures, and regulatory requirements—are constraining its market access.
WTO Findings on India's Trade Regime
The WTO’s Trade Policy Review report stated that India aims to increase its share of global merchandise exports to around 10% by 2047, from about 1.8% in 2024. During the review period, India was the fastest-growing G20 economy, and the WTO forecasts India’s real GDP growth to range between 6.8% and 7.2% in the short term (FY28). However, the WTO’s assessment highlights that India’s trade policy still depends on multiple restrictive instruments that may hinder its export ambitions.
| Indicator | Current Value | Target (by 2047) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| India's share of global merchandise exports | ~1.8% (2024) | ~10% | WTO Trade Policy Review |
| Real GDP growth forecast (FY28) | 6.8–7.2% | – | WTO |
India's Response: External Challenges and Non-Tariff Barriers
New Delhi, in its report for the TPR, said that its trade performance in recent years has been impacted by a range of external challenges, including global supply chain disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions, the pandemic, climate-related events, and export controls by some countries. These factors, India argued, have “adversely affected the availability and cost of critical inputs”.
India also pointed to “issues of excess capacity and overproduction in certain sectors” that have led to trade distortions and price fluctuations in international markets. Furthermore, India is facing “an increased use of non-tariff measures by some trading partners, including complex standards, conformity assessment procedures and regulatory requirements”. According to New Delhi, these measures have resulted in “constrained market access for Indian industry in foreign markets”.
India's Commitment to Multilateral Trading System
Despite these challenges, India reaffirmed its commitment to WTO rules. In the multilateral arena, India believes that continued commitment to WTO rules is necessary for global trade. Its trade policy will remain “firmly aligned with its broader reform agenda, deepening integration with the global economy while advancing a strengthened and equitable rules-based multilateral trading system”, as stated in its TPR report. India also aspires to safeguard the development priorities and legitimate policy space of the Global South, while advancing toward its long-term objective of attaining high middle-income status by 2047, the centenary year of its independence.
Upcoming TPR Meeting
The WTO’s TPR meeting for India is scheduled to be held on July 21 and 23, 2026, where member countries will discuss the findings and India’s trade policies. This review provides a platform for WTO members to examine India’s trade and trade-related policies and offer recommendations.
For importers, exporters, and trade policy professionals, the WTO’s recommendations signal potential future adjustments in India’s tariff and non-tariff regime, while India’s own complaints about foreign non-tariff barriers highlight ongoing friction points in global market access. The outcome of the TPR meeting could influence bilateral trade negotiations and customs practices in the near term.
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