WTO MC-14:India pushes trade agreements, global cooperation talks

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with global counterparts on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC-14), reinforcing India’s push to accelerate trade agreements and strengthen international economic cooperation.
During discussions with Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, both sides focused on expediting negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The talks also explored expanding collaboration beyond trade to sectors such as shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, tourism, education, clean energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, and critical minerals. The two nations supported increased business exchanges, particularly in aerospace, defence, and space sectors.
In a separate meeting with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter J Kyle, Goyal reviewed progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. With approval processes nearing completion, both sides expressed optimism about the pact coming into force soon. Goyal stressed the need for outreach initiatives to ensure Indian businesses fully benefit, while the UK side outlined plans for regional engagements and business delegations.
Goyal also met New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay to discuss preparations for Modi’s upcoming visit to the country and progress on the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The discussions extended to cooperation in agriculture and sports, including training Indian farmers in kiwi and apple cultivation.
In talks with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, the minister reviewed progress on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and emphasised the need for early conclusion of negotiations to boost bilateral trade and investment flows.Across these engagements, key multilateral issues at the WTO conference were also discussed, including reforms to the global trading system, continuation of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. India reiterated its position that the WTO must remain a consensus-based, member-driven institution and underscored the importance of resolving longstanding issues, particularly in agriculture, before advancing into new domains.
Goyal later concluded his four-day visit to Cameroon on Sunday, describing it as “productive” and highlighting India’s role in amplifying the voice of the Global South. He noted that India engaged constructively across all agenda items while firmly advocating principles of openness, fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusivity.On the sidelines, the minister also held discussions with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, acknowledging her efforts in building consensus for a successful MC-14 and stressing the need for a balanced and responsive global trade framework that addresses the aspirations of developing and least developed countries.
Goyal expressed appreciation for the efforts of officials from the Commerce Ministry and India’s mission in Geneva, crediting their role in safeguarding national interests during negotiations. He also congratulated Cameroon Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana for successfully hosting the conference.

Congratulations to Prime Minister H.E. Joseph Dion Ngute and Trade Minister H.E. Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana for the successful hosting of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in the beautiful city of Yaoundé, Cameroon.

I am carrying back with me beautiful memories of the warm… pic.twitter.com/AU9zzDLXqx

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 29, 2026

(Business Correspondent)