India has expressed a singular dissent at the World Trade Organization regarding the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement, opposing its inclusion as an Annex 4 pact within the WTO rulebook.
New Delhi contended that the incorporation of the IFD framework could compromise the functional boundaries of the WTO and weaken its foundational principles. They also argued that the proposal is not purely a trade matter and cannot be accepted without complete consensus among member states.
The IFD seeks to establish global standards for enhancing investment climates, including mechanisms for pre-investment reviews or appeals via independent entities. While more than 128 of the WTO’s 166 members express support for the initiative, India has warned that it might diminish policy autonomy for developing countries, especially those with limited institutional capacity.
Leading India’s delegation at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi ji’s principle of truth prevailing over conformity in maintaining its stance on this matter.
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He emphasized that discussions on WTO reforms should first set up legal safeguards and frameworks for plurilateral agreements before integrating them into the broader structure, reiterating India’s willingness for constructive dialogue.
First Published: Mar 28, 2026 11:49 PM IST
