India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, holding key bilateral meetings with global leaders. He pushed for fair trade agreements, dispute resolutions, and stronger global cooperation. The conference, running from March 30 to April 2, 2026, focuses on fixing WTO rules amid rising protectionism. Goyal met counterparts from the US, EU, UK, and developing nations. Key talks centered on agriculture subsidies, fisheries deals, and e-commerce rules. India firmly opposed rich nations’ farm support, which totals $800 billion annually (WTO data), while seeking protections for its 140 million farmers.
Bilateral trade data shows promise. India’s exports to WTO members grew 15% to $450 billion in 2025 (Ministry of Commerce). Goyal highlighted India’s role in global supply chains, with FTAs under negotiation covering 65% of world GDP. He urged reforms to make WTO relevant, criticizing delays in appointing Appellate Body judges.
Notable meetings included one with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai on steel tariffs and another with EU’s Valdis Dombrovskis on services trade. Goyal promoted India’s digital economy, now valued at $500 billion, and green tech exports.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What did Piyush Goyal focus on at the WTO conference?
He pushed fair trade agreements, agriculture reforms, fisheries deals, and WTO fixes through bilateral meetings with US, EU, and others.
2. What is India’s trade performance with WTO members?
Exports to WTO nations rose 15% to $450 billion in 2025, targeting growth in electronics and green tech amid FTAs.
3. Why is India’s stance at WTO important?
It protects 140 million farmers from $800 billion rich-nation subsidies while seeking market access for India’s 7.5% growing economy.
(*Image Source- DD News)