India’s 8th Trade Policy Review at WTO Scheduled on 21 - 20th July 2026 - Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 20th July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary India’s 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) is scheduled for 21 and 23 July 2026 at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to evaluate the nation's trade policies and performance from 2021 to 2025. Led by Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal, the Indian delegation will address over 900 inquiries from WTO members regarding economic reforms, digitization, and national initiatives. This five-yearly transparency exercise aims to provide a comprehensive peer review of India's trade measures to enhance global predictability and understanding.
Key Points / Main Content
Review Overview and Timeline
- The 8th TPR covers the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.
- The review process began in June 2025, involving a 14-month consultation period between the Department of Commerce and over 100 Ministries and Departments.
- The evaluation is based on two reports: a policy statement by the Indian Government and a report prepared by the WTO Secretariat.
- India undergoes this review every five years, a frequency determined by its share of world trade.
Economic and Trade Performance
- India has established itself as the fastest-growing major economy, demonstrating resilience and a strong rebound following pandemic-induced contractions.
- External trade reached an all-time high in 2025–26, with total merchandise and services exports hitting US$ 863.1 billion.
- Export figures represent a 6.3 per cent growth over the US$ 676.5 billion recorded in 2021–22.
Policy Achievements and Reforms
- The review highlights strong engagement with trading partners through various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- Domestic tax reforms have focused on the simplification and rationalization of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure.
- Digital initiatives, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital trade facilitation tools, are recognized as key achievements.
International Interest and Participation
- WTO Members have submitted more than 900 written questions, focusing on MSMEs, digitization, women’s participation in the economy, and the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Viksit Bharat" programs.
- More than 40 WTO Members are expected to deliver official statements during the review.
- The Indian delegation will present the nation's position on various issues and share its future vision.
Impact Analysis
Department of Commerce and Government Ministries
Impact The Department of Commerce and over 100 associated ministries are responsible for the 14-month preparation process and defending India’s trade policies on a global stage. They must account for all border and behind-the-border measures implemented over a five-year period.
Action Required The delegation, led by the Commerce Secretary, must provide written responses to over 900 questions from WTO members and present India’s official position and future vision during the meetings on 21 and 23 July 2026.
WTO Member States
Impact Members benefit from the transparency mechanism of the TPR, which provides them with a comprehensive understanding of India's trade policies, enhancing predictability in international trade.
Action Required Participating members are expected to submit questions, review the provided reports, and deliver statements regarding India's trade regime during the sessions conducted by the Trade Policy Review Body.