What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

Use the India-EU FTA as an example of the shift to big bilateral deals and of new trade frictions, such as CBAM, that any WTO reform must address.

• India-EU talks began in 2007, stalled in 2013, were relaunched in June 2022 and concluded in January 2026, with signing set for 16 December 2026.
• CBAM, which prices embedded carbon in imports such as steel and aluminium, is a key concern for Indian exporters.
• India has protected its dairy and farm sectors, while the EU pressed demands on intellectual property and copyright that could affect generic medicines.

Unilateral tariffs between close partners show why a stronger, rules-based WTO serves India, which lacks the leverage of large economies.

• Canada's reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% and planned U.S. bans on Canadian spirits, dairy and motorcycles show tariffs used as leverage even between free trade partners.
• Malaysia backed out of a U.S. trade deal, saying its benefits no longer outweighed its costs under the reciprocal tariff system.
• Argue that India should back a stronger WTO built on most-favoured-nation treatment to limit unilateral action.

Open by showing that, with WTO disciplines weakened, India now has to negotiate bound ceilings and MFN-type promises bilaterally.

• India can seek a binding ceiling on US duties and an MFN-type promise of non-discrimination, recreating WTO-style bound commitments inside a bilateral deal.
• The 2025 to 2026 US tariff swings on India came through executive action, not negotiated rule changes.