Geneva

India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, in Geneva to discuss key priorities and preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).

The meeting focused on both the process and substantive agenda required to ensure meaningful outcomes at the upcoming ministerial. The interaction also provided an opportunity to review the broader framework for deliberations at MC14, with an emphasis on achieving a balanced and inclusive outcome.

Sharing details on social media, India’s Permanent Mission to the WTO said that the discussions highlighted India’s continued commitment to constructive engagement with WTO members and to strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Okonjo-Iweala described the engagement as thoughtful and productive, noting that discussions covered the substance, process and preparation of MC14. She also acknowledged the participation of India’s delegation, which included Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar and India’s Ambassador to the WTO Senthil Pandian, and expressed optimism about continued engagement on complex issues ahead of the conference.

Separately, Agrawal held consultations with Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors from several developing countries in Geneva. These discussions focused on key issues related to MC14, particularly the need to reinforce the multilateral trading system in a manner that benefits all member states.

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According to India’s WTO mission, the meetings underscored the importance of ensuring that the concerns and interests of developing countries are adequately reflected during the forthcoming ministerial conference.