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

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing significant challenges in the current global context of a 'Trade War'. To survive and remain relevant, the WTO needs to undertake reforms in several key areas, especially considering the interests of countries like India. Here are some of the key areas of reform:

1. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The WTO's dispute resolution mechanism has been criticized for being slow and ineffective. It needs to be reformed to make it more efficient and responsive. This is particularly important for India, which has been involved in several trade disputes.

2. Developing Country Status: The WTO needs to review its criteria for classifying 'developing countries'. Countries like India, which have significant economic power but also face substantial development challenges, should be given a special status that recognizes their unique position.

3. Agricultural Subsidies: The issue of agricultural subsidies is a major point of contention between developed and developing countries. The WTO needs to ensure that its rules on agricultural subsidies are fair and do not disadvantage developing countries like India.

4. Digital Trade: With the rise of e-commerce and digital trade, the WTO needs to update its rules to reflect these new realities. This is particularly important for India, which has a rapidly growing digital economy.

5. Transparency and Decision-Making: The WTO needs to improve its transparency and decision-making processes to ensure that all member countries, including India, have a say in its decisions.

6. Trade and Environment: The WTO needs to integrate environmental considerations into its trade rules. This is particularly important for India, which is facing significant environmental challenges.

7. Services Trade: The WTO needs to pay more attention to services trade, which is a major part of India's economy.

These are just some of the areas where the WTO needs to undertake significant reforms. The exact nature of these reforms will depend on the specific needs and interests of its member countries, including India.