The agreement, which was adopted by consensus at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2022, is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
“India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on July 20, 2026, thereby becoming a Party to the Agreement,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement, adding that it safeguards the interests of traditional and small-scale fishers.
The agreement focuses on subsidies related to marine wild capture fishing and fishing-related activities at sea but aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the scope of this pact. It seeks to discipline harmful subsidies that support large, heavily subsidised industrial fishing fleets being operated by distant water fishing nations.
“This benefits countries like India, where fisheries are predominantly small-scale and which are not major participants in industrial fishing,” it said, adding that the predominance of aquaculture-based shrimp in India’s seafood exports, which fall outside the scope of the agreement, ensures the continued resilience and competitiveness of the country’s seafood export sector.
The deal seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine fisheries resources while providing appropriate flexibilities for developing and least-developed country members.
Trade policy reviewSeparately, the ministry said that India’s 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) meeting at the WTO is scheduled to be held on July 21 and 23. The TPR covers the period from January 1, 2021-December 31, 2025, and is done every five years.
“India’s performance during the review period has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Following the pandemic-induced contraction and increased global uncertainties, the economy staged a strong rebound and has since sustained high growth rates, establishing itself as the fastest-growing among major economies,” the ministry said.
The review is carried out on the basis of two principal documents: a policy statement submitted by the government and a report prepared by the WTO Secretariat.
As on July 20, 2026, WTO members have submitted more than 900 questions for India’s written responses. The questions cover areas including digitisation and related reforms, MSMEs, women’s participation in the economy, Viksit Bharat and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
“More than 40 WTO Members are expected to deliver statements during the review,” it said.
The government report and the WTO Secretariat Report highlight India’s achievements including engagement with its trading partners through various Free Trade Agreements, tax reforms such as the rationalisation and simplification of the Goods and Services Tax structure, and several digital initiatives, including the Unified Payments Interface.