Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India Defends Quality Control Orders at WTO
India's Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Agarwal, spoke at the WTO in Geneva about India's quality control orders (QCOs).
He said these orders are meant to achieve important public policy goals and ensure safety and quality standards.
India conducts trade investigations fairly and transparently.
Some WTO members have raised concerns about these orders.
India has also been working on tariff reforms and free trade agreements to strengthen its global trade ties.
During the review, India answered many questions from other WTO members.
The secretary emphasized that WTO reforms should support developing countries and deliver on existing mandates.
India's quality control orders (QCOs) aim to achieve legitimate public policy objectives.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal emphasized transparency in trade remedy investigations.
India's tariff reforms and free trade agreements strengthen global economic integration.
India received 1,094 written questions from 44 WTO members during the review.
WTO reforms should be development-oriented and preserve policy space for developing countries.
- Who
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal
- What
- India's quality control orders (QCOs) and trade policy review at the WTO
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Geneva
- Why
- To achieve public policy objectives and strengthen India's integration with the global economy
India's Perspective
WTO Member Concerns
Purpose of QCOs
India's Perspective
India's QCOs aim to achieve legitimate public policy objectives and ensure safety and quality standards.
WTO Member Concerns
Some WTO members have raised concerns about the impact of QCOs on trade.
Transparency in Trade Remedy Investigations
India's Perspective
India conducts trade remedy investigations transparently, based on objective evidence, due process, and judicial oversight.
WTO Member Concerns
Concerns have been raised about the transparency and fairness of these investigations.
- Event
- Eighth Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO
- Location
- Geneva
- Speaker
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal
- Number of Questions Received
- 1,094
- Number of WTO Members Asking Questions
- 44