India to Chair UN Consumer Protection Meet
Nidhi Khare to Lead Global Deliberations as UNCTAD Hosts Key Consumer Protection Session in Geneva
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th July: India will chair the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, organised by the United Nations Trade and Development in Geneva from July 6 to 8, marking a significant role in shaping global consumer protection policies.
The three-day session, to be held at the Palais des Nations, will bring together member states, international organisations, consumer protection authorities and experts to discuss emerging issues in consumer protection law and policy.
Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, will represent India and chair the session, guiding discussions on key global consumer protection priorities.
A major highlight of the meeting will be the launch of the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025. India will also participate in a high-level fireside chat on the significance of the new principles.
The session will deliberate on the implementation of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, consumer education, sustainable consumption, cross-border consumer protection and enforcement of consumer protection laws in global markets.
The government said India has emerged as an active contributor to international consumer protection initiatives. Over the past 14 months, the National Consumer Helpline has facilitated refunds of more than ₹91.77 crore by resolving over 1.47 lakh refund-related grievances before they reached litigation.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has also strengthened digital consumer grievance redressal through the AI-enabled e-Jagriti platform, which supports online complaint filing, virtual hearings and digital case management, including for Non-Resident Indians and overseas consumers.
