The Congress party has voiced strong concern over the perceived erosion of global multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), urging the Indian government to take a more proactive and vocal role in defending the global trade system. Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leaders stated that India cannot afford to remain a silent observer while critical global institutions are systematically weakened.
Highlighting the importance of the WTO in protecting the rights of developing nations in international trade, the Congress leadership accused the ruling government of adopting a passive foreign policy stance at a time when India's voice is needed most. They argued that the weakening of the WTO’s dispute resolution mechanism and the lack of consensus on crucial trade rules are hurting global trade fairness, especially for countries like India that rely on multilateral platforms to protect domestic interests.
Congress spokespersons pointed out that recent developments, including the disruption of the appellate body of the WTO, increasing unilateral trade measures by powerful nations, and growing protectionism, signal a threat to the rule-based global order. They criticised the Indian government for not taking a leadership role or building alliances with like-minded nations to push back against these trends.
One senior Congress leader said, “India has always been a champion of multilateralism. At a time when institutions like the WTO are being systematically undermined, our government’s silence is disappointing. We must raise our voice in global forums and work to protect not only our national interests but also the larger interests of the developing world.”
The party also warned that failure to act now could result in long-term strategic and economic disadvantages. Without a functioning WTO, small and developing countries may be forced to negotiate one-sided trade agreements, further widening global inequality. Congress leaders stressed the need for India to forge strong diplomatic ties with other affected countries and push for reforms that can restore trust in multilateralism.
Experts and former diplomats have echoed similar concerns, stating that India, with its growing economic influence, is in a position to lead efforts to revive the relevance of the WTO and ensure a fair and equitable global trade environment. They also noted that India must balance its trade interests with strategic autonomy by staying engaged in multilateral platforms.
While the Indian government has not issued a detailed response to these comments, officials have previously maintained that India continues to support the WTO and is actively involved in ongoing negotiations on key trade matters, including fisheries subsidies, agriculture, and digital trade.
As geopolitical tensions and economic protectionism rise globally, the Congress party’s remarks reflect growing domestic concern over India’s role in global governance. The call for stronger international engagement may become a key point of debate in upcoming sessions of Parliament and future policy discussions.
