Goyal Pushes WTO Reforms, Seeks Fair and Inclusive Trade Consensus

India made a strong case for equitable and inclusive global trade rules at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization in Cameroon, emphasising the need to restore trust , address structural imbalances , and safeguard the interests of developing nations .

Leading the Indian delegation, Piyush Goyal reiterated that consensus-based decision-making is central to the WTO’s legitimacy . He stressed that member countries must retain the sovereign right to opt out of rules they do not agree with, warning that any erosion of this principle could weaken the multilateral system . India called for a transparent and member-driven review of the current impasse in WTO negotiations, highlighting that internal fragmentation could undermine the organisation’s effectiveness.

The WTO, established in 1995, serves as the backbone of the global trading system, framing rules for international commerce and providing a platform for dispute settlement . However, in recent years, it has faced mounting challenges, including stalled negotiations, rising protectionism , and the paralysis of its dispute settlement mechanism. India’s intervention at MC14 reflects growing concerns among developing economies that the system must evolve to remain fair and relevant.

On the issue of a level playing field, India underscored the persistent asymmetries originating from past agreements such as the Uruguay Round. Goyal emphasised that unresolved issues like food security , public stockholding (PSH), special safeguard mechanisms (SSM), and cotton subsidies must be prioritised before new topics are introduced. He argued that without addressing these longstanding concerns, the promise of fair global trade would remain unfulfilled.

India also highlighted the urgent need to restore the WTO’s dispute settlement system, noting that ineffective enforcement of rules disproportionately harms smaller economies. It cautioned against the misuse of transparency norms as instruments of trade retaliation, instead advocating for capacity-building support to help all members meet their obligations fairly.

At the Ministerial Plenary Session, Rajesh Agrawal backed a time-bound roadmap for WTO reforms, calling for evidence-based discussions and warning against selective issue prioritisation. He stressed the importance of strengthening WTO committees and adopting a bottom-up approach to reform, ensuring that all member voices are heard.

India’s position at MC14 is also shaped by its evolving global trade strategy. In recent years, the country has actively pursued bilateral and regional trade agreements to boost exports and strengthen economic ties. Notably, India has signed agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Australia , while negotiations continue with the United Kingdom and the European Union .

On the sidelines of MC14, Goyal held bilateral meetings with counterparts from major economies, focusing on strengthening trade ties and building consensus on key WTO issues. As negotiations continue, India’s stance highlights its broader vision of a fair, inclusive, and balanced global trading system.