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India Defends QCOs and PLI Schemes as WTO Review Flags Predictability Gaps

Geneva’s Trade Policy Review records member concerns that could prompt technical follow-ups and shape bilateral talks.

Overview

  • India completed its eighth WTO Trade Policy Review and told members its Quality Control Orders and trade remedies pursue legitimate public policy goals and follow due process.
  • Members raised detailed concerns about abrupt tariff shifts, unexpected export limits, complex licensing and slow approvals that undermine predictability for exporters.
  • Delegations questioned the design and local‑content rules of Production Linked Incentive and Make in India programmes, seeking clarity on eligibility, factory inspections and recognition of foreign labs.
  • Thursday’s two review sessions drew 68 interventions and 1,094 written questions from 44 members, with New Delhi answering over 700 questions before the meetings.
  • The report leaves technical implementation issues on the record and signals likely follow-up work on transparency, conformity assessment, and WTO reform to protect policy space for developing countries.