The Department of Commerce, Government of India, in partnership with the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) and the Centre for Research in International Trade (CRIT) at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), inaugurated a two-day National Workshop and Chintan Shivir on “Environment-Related Non-Tariff Measures: WTO Rules and Their Implications for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)” in New Delhi.
The workshop, being held at Nalanda Hall in IIFT Bhawan, serves as an important platform for discussions on the growing influence of environmental regulations on international trade. Senior government officials, trade policy experts, WTO specialists, industry representatives, academicians, and stakeholders involved in trade negotiations are participating in the deliberations.
The event comes at a time when countries across the world are increasingly adopting environmental and climate-related trade measures. These regulations, often implemented through non-tariff measures (NTMs), are reshaping global trade patterns and creating new compliance requirements for exporters. For developing economies such as India, understanding and responding to these evolving standards has become a strategic priority.
The primary objective of the workshop is to enhance awareness and understanding of environment-related NTMs and examine their implications for India’s trade interests. Discussions are focused on assessing the potential impact of these measures on Indian exports, identifying challenges faced by domestic industries, and exploring policy responses within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and India’s Free Trade Agreements.
Experts at the workshop are examining a range of contemporary issues, including WTO rules governing Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), sustainability-linked regulations, carbon-related border adjustment measures, and deforestation-related trade requirements. These subjects have gained prominence as global markets increasingly integrate environmental considerations into trade policies.
The deliberations are expected to contribute to India’s efforts to safeguard market access for its exporters while ensuring that domestic industries remain competitive in a rapidly changing global regulatory environment. Participants are also discussing strategies for strengthening India’s engagement in multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations to address emerging sustainability-linked trade concerns.
The inaugural session began with opening remarks by Dr. Pritam Banerjee, Head of the Centre for WTO Studies, who highlighted the significance of understanding evolving trade regulations and their implications for developing countries. He emphasized the need for informed policy responses to ensure that environmental objectives do not become unintended barriers to fair and equitable trade.
Welcoming participants, Ms. Richa Prakash Choudhary, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce, outlined the objectives of the workshop and underscored the importance of building institutional capacity to address emerging trade challenges. She noted that environmental regulations are becoming increasingly important in shaping international market access conditions.
Delivering the special address, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Shri Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, stressed the need for India to proactively prepare for sustainability-related trade measures and evolving global regulatory frameworks. He highlighted the importance of aligning trade competitiveness with sustainable development objectives while ensuring that Indian exporters remain well-positioned in international markets.
The workshop features several distinguished experts from India and abroad. Among them are Shri Erik Wijkström, Head of the Technical Barriers to Trade Section in the WTO’s Trade and Environment Division in Geneva; Shri Anwar Shaik, former Chair of the WTO TBT Committee; Shri Anil Jauhri, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies and member of the UNFCCC CDM Accreditation Panel; legal expert Shri Atul Sharma; and trade policy specialist Shri Pranav Kumar.
Through technical sessions, expert presentations, and stakeholder interactions, participants are expected to develop a deeper understanding of the intersection between trade, sustainability, and international regulations. The discussions are likely to provide valuable inputs for future policy formulation and negotiation strategies.
The workshop will conclude on June 23 with a valedictory session, marking the culmination of intensive discussions aimed at strengthening India’s preparedness to navigate the growing influence of environmental considerations in global trade and to secure long-term export competitiveness in international markets.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
