Challenges Facing Developing Countries in the International Trading System

This article analyses various dimensions of the uncertainty plaguing the multilateral trading system and examines its implications for developing countries. It details how countries are compelled to enter into free trade agreements on account of competitive liberalization and the growing propensity to explore new issues through sectoral plurilaterals. In addition, global factors such as the 'America First' approach and the rise of China provide the context to analyse India's role in the international trading system. Specifically, the Article explores India's experience with the Doha Round, regional trade agreements (RTAs) and plurilaterals. It concludes that a patchwork of RTAs worldwide and an array of plurilaterals on an a la carte basis make a very complicated, divided and perhaps an unfair trading regime.