In a strong push for structural changes in the World Trade Organization (WTO), India has called for comprehensive reforms during a mini-ministerial meet held in Paris.
The meeting, convened by Australia and attended by representatives from 25 WTO member nations, witnessed India’s firm stance on fixing global trade challenges ahead of the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) set for 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal laid out India’s vision for a revitalized WTO, urging fellow members to address trade distortions and strengthen multilateral rules.
“Only one or two members spoke about it, but there doesn’t seem to be much consensus or traction. I haven’t heard of any cases resolved through MPIA,” he remarked.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the urgent need to eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that restrict developing countries’ market access and distort fair competition. These include discriminatory standards, licensing procedures, and regulatory requirements that function as hidden trade obstacles.
India expressed concerns over the trade imbalances created by non-market economies—countries where state intervention impacts trade flows. These practices often disrupt global pricing mechanisms and undermine fair competition.
The WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, inactive since 2009 due to the U.S. blocking appointments to the appellate body, was another key focus. Goyal underscored its revival as essential for upholding rules-based trade.
“One should not jump to conclusions about a crisis,” he said, advocating for pragmatic solutions within existing frameworks.
India strongly opposed attempts to widen the WTO’s mandate to include non-trade topics. Goyal particularly rejected the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development initiative backed by 128 nations.
“Issues mandated at the WTO should take priority and be resolved first. Non-trade issues should not be introduced, as they would deepen differences,” he stated.
India fears that such proposals could lead to the fragmentation of the multilateral trading system.
The Paris dialogue also focused on unresolved issues, particularly those impacting developing countries:
India reiterated the importance of achieving a permanent solution for public food grain stockholding—vital for food security programs in countries like India.
Sustainable development was also on the agenda, especially the need to regulate harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to overfishing and threaten marine ecosystems.
While the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) has been proposed by some nations as a workaround for dispute resolution, India remained skeptical about its effectiveness.
“Only one or two members spoke about it... I haven’t heard of any cases resolved through MPIA,” Goyal said, questioning its utility.
Despite growing friction among WTO members, India ruled out any immediate threat to the organization's relevance.
“One should not jump to conclusions about a crisis,” Goyal said, while affirming the global community's collective will to preserve and strengthen the WTO’s legitimacy and functionality.
India’s strong stance at the Paris Mini-Ministerial underlines its commitment to a rules-based, equitable, and inclusive global trading system. By emphasizing the removal of non-tariff barriers, seeking the revival of the dispute settlement system, and resisting the inclusion of non-trade issues, India aims to safeguard the interests of developing countries and uphold the WTO's foundational principles.
As preparations gear up for the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in 2026, India’s reform proposals are expected to shape critical discussions and influence the future of global trade governance.