India’s 8th Trade Policy Review at WTO Scheduled on 21 and 23 July 2026

Key Highlights:

• India's 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) is scheduled for July 21 and 23, 2026.
• The Indian delegation for the TPR is headed by the Commerce Secretary.
• The review period covers India's trade policies from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025.
• India's TPRs are conducted once every five years, reflecting its share of global trade.
• Total exports of merchandise and services reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion in 2025-26.

Detailed Insights:

• The TPR is a crucial transparency mechanism under the WTO, involving a comprehensive peer review of a member's trade policies.
• It aims to enhance transparency, predictability, and understanding of trade practices among WTO members.
• India's economy demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained high growth rates during the review period, becoming the fastest-growing major economy.
• Key achievements highlighted include strong engagement with trading partners through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and tax reforms like Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalization.
• Digital initiatives such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital tools for trade facilitation were also noted.
• WTO members have submitted over 900 questions covering areas like digitization, MSMEs, women's economic participation, Viksit Bharat, and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
• The Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), comprising the entire membership of the WTO, conducts these reviews.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Trade Policy Review (TPR): A WTO mechanism for peer review of a member's trade policies to enhance transparency and understanding.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): An intergovernmental organization regulating international trade, providing a framework for trade agreements.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): An indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India, replacing multiple cascading taxes.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): An instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI facilitating inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions.
• Viksit Bharat: A vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, encompassing economic growth, social progress, and good governance.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: A self-reliant India campaign promoting domestic manufacturing, local supply chains, and economic resilience.