On 20 October 2026, Rajya Sabha MP Naveen K Jain delivered India’s national statement at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), reaffirming support for inclusive, development-oriented and internationally compatible legal frameworks for global trade. He addressed the UNGA’s Sixth Committee, which deals with legal matters.
UN legal framework and international trade
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is the UN’s core legal body in the field of international trade law. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1966, it develops conventions, model laws and other instruments to harmonise rules governing international commercial transactions. India referred to UNCITRAL’s role in developing legal standards that respond to the needs of developed and developing countries. Jain also cited India’s domestic reforms in arbitration, commercial dispute resolution and insolvency. The UN General Assembly is the UN’s main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ. Its Sixth Committee is one of six Main Committees and considers legal questions, including matters concerning international law.
World Trade Organization and multilateral trade rules
The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, administers multilateral trade agreements and provides a forum for trade negotiations. Its rules include non-discrimination principles such as most-favoured-nation treatment and national treatment. On 19 October 2026, India called for WTO reforms, restoration of its dispute settlement mechanism and protection of developing nations within a rules-based multilateral trading system. The WTO’s dispute settlement system operates under the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes; the Appellate Body has been unable to hear appeals since 2019 because vacancies prevented it from meeting the required membership. At its eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO on 22 July 2026, India reiterated support for a transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. On 2 October 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also called for preserving policy space for developing countries.
India’s trade engagement
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council reviewed their joint action plan and launched Free Trade Agreement negotiations at a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA on 26 September 2026. India-GCC trade reached $178.66 billion in 2025–26.
Important Facts for Exams
- The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law was established by the UN General Assembly in 1966.
- The WTO was established in 1995 and administers multilateral trade agreements.
- The UN General Assembly has six Main Committees, including the Sixth Committee on legal matters.
- The WTO Appellate Body has been unable to hear appeals since 2019.
The WTO Trade Policy Review mechanism examines members’ trade policies and practices. The WTO’s dispute settlement system is governed by the Dispute Settlement Understanding.
