The WTO has asked India to reduce trade barriers, simplify regulations and improve the business environment, while India has highlighted concerns over rising non-tariff barriers imposed by trading partners.
Highlights
- WTO recommends India ease trade restrictions and accelerate reforms.
- Calls for simpler regulations, lower trade costs and improved market access.
- India says non-tariff barriers by other countries are hurting exports.
- WTO notes India’s merchandise export share rose to 1.8% in 2024.
- India reiterates commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged India to continue reducing trade barriers and deepen structural reforms to improve competitiveness, attract investment and expand its role in global trade.
In its Eighth Trade Policy Review, the WTO Secretariat said India should focus on lowering trade costs, simplifying regulations and improving infrastructure to make doing business easier. The report also recommends easing import and export procedures, addressing logistics challenges and strengthening the investment climate.
The WTO noted that India’s share in global merchandise exports increased from around 1% in 2004 to 1.8% in 2024, reflecting the country’s growing importance in international trade. It also highlighted India’s strong economic growth in recent years and its efforts to improve financial inclusion and promote digital trade.
Responding to the review, India said its exporters continue to face significant challenges because of non-tariff barriers imposed by several trading partners. According to the government, complex standards, conformity assessment procedures, supply chain disruptions, climate-related measures and regulatory requirements have restricted market access for Indian products.
India argued that these non-tariff measures often have a greater impact on trade than tariffs and increase costs for exporters. The government stressed that improving global market access requires all countries to ensure transparent, predictable and fair trade rules.
India reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral trading system and said it will continue pursuing trade reforms while protecting national interests. The WTO’s review is expected to guide discussions on India’s trade policies and reform agenda in the coming years.
