WTO

India's rising market power reshapes global debate over its trade policies

As India's economic weight and import demand rise, WTO members are increasingly scrutinising how its tariffs, export curbs, QCOs and domestic regulations affect global markets

Updated On: 21 Sep 2026 | 9:52 PM IST

Commerce ministry seeks five-year RoDTEP extension, higher FY27 outlay

Commerce Department has asked the expenditure department to raise the export incentive scheme's FY27 allocation to Rs 23,000 crore from the budgeted Rs 10,000 crore

Updated On: 17 Sep 2026 | 12:55 AM IST

Brics flags 'unilateral' tariffs, trade barriers as global risks

The reference to unilateral trade and finance-related actions is significant as the US has pursued sweeping tariff measures against trading partners

Updated On: 12 Sep 2026 | 12:24 AM IST

Best of BS Opinion: India must address trade barriers, open up for business

Today's opinions examine India's trade barriers, satellite spectrum pricing, CEO succession, the liquidity challenge from FCNR(B) inflows and Brics' evolving global role

Updated On: 11 Sep 2026 | 6:15 AM IST

Open up for business

India must address trade barriers

Updated On: 10 Sep 2026 | 10:18 PM IST

US, EU strongly criticise India's tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers

Raise concerns over high tariffs, QCOs, digital trade curbs

Updated On: 09 Sep 2026 | 11:46 PM IST

Divergences & dualities in trade policies

Amid geopolitical flux, the prospects for reinvigorating the 80-year-old multilateral trade order appear dim straight talk 

Updated On: 26 Aug 2026 | 10:08 PM IST

Best of BS Opinion: Digital transactions haven't dented demand for cash

Today's opinion pieces examine India's persistent demand for cash, aviation safety, the coming leadership change at Tata Sons, the impact of US-China trade and life inside Tihar

Updated On: 20 Aug 2026 | 6:15 AM IST

Trade policy review at WTO: World takes note of India's progress

India's eighth WTO Trade Policy Review highlights its growing global trade footprint, digital transformation and FTA push while balancing openness with domestic development priorities

Updated On: 19 Aug 2026 | 11:16 PM IST

What US safeguard tariffs on quartz surface products mean for India

The US has imposed 25-55% safeguard tariffs on quartz surface products, putting Indian exporters under pressure as they depend heavily on the American market

Updated On: 19 Aug 2026 | 11:51 AM IST

India challenges US tariffs on quartz products with WTO consultation bid

Under WTO rules, the US has to enter into consultation within 30 days of receiving the request. If the dispute isn't resolved within 60 days, India can request the establishment of a panel

Updated On: 18 Aug 2026 | 5:14 PM IST

BRICS ministers support WTO reform and new MSME trade-finance mechanism

The Jaipur outcomes include a proposed BRICS invoice-discounting mechanism, cash flow-based credit assessment for exporters and an action plan for resilient value chains

Updated On: 07 Aug 2026 | 9:40 PM IST

India currently faces 9 WTO disputes over sugar subsidies, ICT tariffs, PLI

Commerce MoS Jitin Prasada said India is defending nine WTO disputes involving sugar subsidies, ICT tariffs and PLI schemes, with appeals pending in several cases.

Updated On: 04 Aug 2026 | 7:03 PM IST

Best of BS Opinion: India must avoid digital tariffs despite WTO rule lapse

From India's digital trade strategy and autonomous AI risks to youth employment, the rupee's stability and the evolution of the Chinese Communist Party, here are today's top Opinion pieces.

Updated On: 29 Jul 2026 | 6:15 AM IST

Centre shifts export strategy, aims to give state govts bigger role

Plan comes at a time when WTO urged India to address structural challenges

Updated On: 28 Jul 2026 | 10:22 PM IST

India's digital trade dilemma deepens after WTO duty moratorium lapses

With the WTO moratorium on electronic transmissions having lapsed, India must weigh tariff flexibility against its growing stake in open, predictable digital trade

Updated On: 26 Jul 2026 | 9:53 PM IST

Quality control orders intended to achieve policy objectives: India at WTO

India's quality control orders (QCOs) are intended to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Thursday. Speaking at a meeting of the Eighth Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO in Geneva, Agarwal further said that trade remedy investigations are conducted transparently, based on objective evidence, due process and judicial oversight. The remarks come at a time when certain WTO member countries have raised issues about QCOs. India's tariff reforms, customs simplification measures and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy have steadily strengthened the country's integration with the global economy, Agarwal said. He also said that India is committed to an open, transparent and predictable trade and investment regime. The Trade Policy Review is a key transparency and monitoring mechanism of the WTO under which members' trade and related policies are periodically examined to enhance transparency, strengthen adherence to WTO rule

Updated On: 24 Jul 2026 | 10:18 AM IST

WTO says India must tackle structural gaps to realise Viksit Bharat by 2047

Trade policy review says India must lower trade costs, bridge infrastructure gaps and deepen global integration to sustain growth and achieve developed-country status by 2047

Updated On: 21 Jul 2026 | 10:49 PM IST

India aims at 10% share in global merchandise exports by 2047: WTO report

India is aiming to increase its share of global merchandise exports from about 1.8 per cent in 2024 to around 10 per cent by 2047, according to a World Trade Organisation (WTO) report. To promote exports, India maintained various duty exemption, remission, and rebate schemes. Export promotion is also emphasised in the Viksit Bharat vision, intended to help India sustain high long-term growth and boost competitiveness. "Under this vision, India aims to increase its share of global merchandise exports from about 1.8 per cent in 2024 to around 10 per cent by 2047," it said. The eighth review of the trade policies and practices of India takes place on July 21. It will also happen on July 23 in Geneva. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal is there for the meetings. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of India. It also said that India's perspective on WTO reform is that reforms must be development-centred, consensus-based, and ...

Updated On: 21 Jul 2026 | 6:20 PM IST

India joins WTO fisheries subsidies agreement, becomes 123rd member

India has formally accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, backing sustainable fishing while safeguarding policy space for traditional and small-scale fishers

Updated On: 20 Jul 2026 | 10:34 PM IST