India on Wednesday called on developing and least developed nations to collectively work to address global trade challenges such as tariff barriers, unilateral environmental restrictions, and hurdles in the services sector. Addressing the 16th session of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said: "It is time for the Global South to speak with one voice on concerns that impact all of us". (PIC/X)
Updated On: 2025-10-22 09:33 PM IST
Compiled by : Divya Nair
The minister participated in the Ministerial Roundtable on the theme-‘Towards Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Supply Chains and Trade Logistics’ at UNCTAD16
In his address, the minister said the world is currently volatile, marked by numerous uncertainties, challenges, and ambiguities in the global trading system. "We are living in a world marked by a profound trust deficit, whether in multilateral institutions, different international bodies, amongst nations and multiple critical challenges confront us almost on a daily basis. These challenges are multi-faceted"
He said in such uncertain scenarios, efforts to eliminate poverty and meet the Sustainable Development Goals become a casualty. "I think we all need to have a reset, a new way to address these challenges," stated Goyal
Later, he held discussions with UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and discussed the organisation’s role in advancing trade and development and promoting innovation in a changing world. "Also, reiterated India’s commitment to Global South cooperation amid evolving trade dynamics," Goyal wrote in a post on X
Goyal met Teresa Ribera, Executive VP for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition at the European Commission, on the sidelines of UNCTAD16. The delegations discussed ways to strengthen India-EU cooperation for shared prosperity and sustainable growth
