India’s Statement as delivered during the Special General Council Meeting held on 28 November, 2025
Permanent Mission of India to WTO, Geneva
Special General Council Meeting (28 November 2025)
STATEMENT DELIVERED BY INDIA
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) – Report on Meeting of
27 October 2025 (WT/BFA/230)
Mr. Chairperson,
India thanks the CBFA Chair and the Secretariat for their efforts in finalising the 2026–2027 budget proposal and we support the Zero Nominal Growth budget of 2026-2027.
At the same time, India wishes to place on record that the WTO regular budget is financed by assessed contributions of all Members and must therefore be utilised exclusively for activities that are clearly mandated.
India will continue to monitor budget implementation closely to ensure full adherence to this principle.
Also, as rightly highlighted by the Secretariat, un-earmarked funding should be used as a preferred mechanism for equitable, WTO-wide TA, rooted in the organization's commitment to development.
When the Organization is operating under severe financial constraints and when Technical Assistance has already been drastically cut, it is equitable to allocate more funds to TA.
We therefore urge that, going forward any future surpluses be utilised primarily and preferentially for direct, demand-driven Technical Assistance and capacity-building for developing countries and LDCs.
Regarding the Separation fund, it is important to ensure the fund is efficient, transparent, and member-focused, avoiding ad-hoc budgeting while protecting staff rights.
*****
