New Delhi, Mar 20 (KNN) India will push for strengthening the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the upcoming ministerial meeting in Cameroon as it seeks to enhance the institution’s role in promoting global trade amid rising geopolitical uncertainties.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to attend the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), to be held from March 26 to 29, 2026 in Yaounde, reported The Economic Times.
According to senior Commerce Ministry officials, India will raise key issues including the continuation of the moratorium on e-commerce transmissions, which has been in place for 28 years, negotiations on fisheries subsidies, and the China-led proposal for an Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement.
India is expected to emphasise the importance of multilateral trade and call for reforms to make the WTO more effective, relevant, and responsive to current global challenges.
The Ministry officials noted that strengthening the institution is critical at a time when global trade is being impacted by geopolitical tensions and tariff-related measures.
Discussions may also cover recent tariff actions by the United States, which have affected multiple countries.
On e-commerce, officials highlighted the need for a clear and universally accepted definition, stating that consensus on this issue is essential for future policy commitments.
Regarding the IFD agreement, India is expected to seek detailed discussions on its proposed inclusion under Annex 4 of the WTO framework, which would require explicit consensus among member countries.
The agreement aims to improve the investment climate by simplifying procedures for investors and facilitating business operations across sectors.
Officials added that agriculture is likely to be a key focus area during the ministerial discussions, reflecting its importance in global trade negotiations.
(KNN Bureau)
