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WTO commends India's trade policy evolution amid digital push

India's latest trade policy review at the World Trade Organization underscores the nation's expanding global commerce role and digital sector growth. The assessment highlights New Delhi's efforts to balance market liberalization with domestic economic priorities through strategic trade agreements.

LSN India · 19 August 2026

WTO commends India's trade policy evolution amid digital push

India's eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO has drawn international attention for demonstrating the country's increasingly sophisticated approach to global commerce. The review documented India's expanding trade footprint across multiple sectors while detailing its strategic push toward digital transformation and new free trade agreements in key markets.

The policy assessment reflects India's dual mandate: strengthening its position in international trade while protecting domestic industries and development objectives. New Delhi has pursued a measured liberalization strategy, selectively opening sectors identified as globally competitive while maintaining safeguards for emerging domestic industries and agricultural producers.

The review highlighted India's digital economy expansion as a notable achievement, with the technology and services sectors gaining prominence in the nation's export portfolio. Simultaneously, India's negotiation of multiple bilateral and regional trade agreements has expanded market access for Indian goods and services across Asia-Pacific and other regions.

India's trade policy continues to reflect its status as a developing economy navigating between integration into global value chains and preservation of policy space for poverty alleviation and industrial development. The WTO review process provides member countries with an opportunity to assess each other's trade practices and their broader economic implications for international commerce.