Unilateral moves leading to reset in global trade: WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says the global trading system is undergoing a necessary reset amid rising unilateral actions and protectionism, yet remains surprisingly resilient with 72% of world trade still conducted on MFN terms. In an interview with ET, she highlighted the key reform agenda for the 2026 ministerial conference, the need to modernise WTO rules for a changing world, and Indias central role in emerging opportunities—from services and digital trade to value-chain diversification.