Archive · 15 Nov 2025
India's Economic Growth Tied to Trade, WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala States
Imagine a country's economy as a growing plant.
The World Trade Organization's boss, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says that for India's plant to grow tall and strong (economic growth), it needs lots of water and sunlight, which are like strong trade (trade growth).
She also said India's trade minister, Piyush Goyal, is doing a great job helping India make good deals with other countries to trade more.
She thinks India should also help lead the way in making the World Trade Organization rules better for everyone, especially for countries that are still developing.
This will help make world trade fairer and more reliable for all.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that India's rapid economic growth is directly linked to its strong trade growth.
Okonjo-Iweala commended Indian Minister Piyush Goyal for his leadership in pursuing India's trade agreements.
The WTO chief emphasized the necessity of bolstering the multilateral trading system alongside bilateral agreements.
Okonjo-Iweala encouraged India to take a leading role in reforming the WTO to enhance its effectiveness, particularly for developing nations.
India's cumulative exports in merchandise and services from April-September 2025 showed an estimated growth of 4.45 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
- Who
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Piyush Goyal, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry.
- What
- WTO Director-General stated that India's rapid economic growth is linked to strong trade growth and praised India's minister for his leadership in trade agreements. She also emphasized the need for India to lead WTO reforms.
- When
- November 15, 2025 (statement made yesterday, Nov 14, 2025, during the CII Partnership Summit)
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, India, during the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025.
- Why
- To highlight the connection between India's economic and trade growth, acknowledge India's role in trade agreements, and encourage India's leadership in reforming the WTO to support global trade, especially for developing nations.
Focus on Bilateral Trade Agreements
Importance of Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System
Trade Strategy
Focus on Bilateral Trade Agreements
Minister Piyush Goyal has been praised for his leadership in driving India's bilateral trade agreements, which are seen as complementing economic growth.
Importance of Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stresses that alongside bilateral actions, strengthening the multilateral system, particularly the WTO's role, is crucial for global trade and supporting developing countries.
WTO Reforms
Focus on Bilateral Trade Agreements
India is actively engaged in bilateral trade discussions and ministerial dialogues, aiming to advance cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Importance of Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System
Okonjo-Iweala urges India to take a leading role in WTO reforms to enhance its effectiveness, address the needs of developing countries, and create a more inclusive and resilient global trading system.
- Event
- 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025
- Location
- Visakhapatnam, India
- Date of Publication
- November 15, 2025
- Speaker
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General
- Indian Minister Mentioned
- Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry
- India's Cumulative Exports (Apr-Sep 2025)
- $413.30 billion
- India's Cumulative Exports (Apr-Sep 2024)
- $395.71 billion
Sources
India should take leadership role in WTO reform process: Ngozi
Climate measures should not appear protectionist: WTO DG
India should lead reform process at WTO: DG
India should be a leader of reform process at WTO: Ngozi
India open to leading WTO reforms, but seeks consensus on agenda: Goyal
India open to leading WTO reforms, but seeks consensus on agenda: Goyal
Piyush Goyal: WTO reform must serve global welfare, not agenda of rich nations
"All Possibilities Are On Table": Piyush Goyal Expresses Optimism On India-Canada FTA
India's Rapid Economic Growth Is Linked To Strong Trade Growth: WTO
India's rapid economic growth is linked to strong trade growth, says WTO DG
