India Blocks IFD Inclusion in WTO Rulebook, Citing Sovereignty Risks

• India registers solo dissent at WTO against Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) proposal.
• India argues IFD's inclusion as an Annex 4 Agreement risks eroding WTO's functional limits and undermining foundational principles.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlights India's courage to stand alone, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.
• India believes IFD may undermine policy autonomy of developing nations lacking capacity to protect institutions.
• Despite 128+ member support and pressure from China, India maintains its opposition, viewing it as a non-trade issue.