The statement accurately reflects India's significant and growing influence within the World Trade Organization (WTO). India's clout stems from a combination of its economic size, its role as a voice for developing nations, and the consensus-based decision-making structure of the WTO. Several key factors contribute to this increased leverage:

1. Large and Growing Economy: India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, with a massive domestic market. Its participation is crucial for any global trade agreement to be truly comprehensive and impactful. Developed nations recognize that excluding India from agreements would limit their global reach and effectiveness.

2. Leader of Developing Countries: India has historically positioned itself as a champion for the interests of developing and least developed countries (LDCs) within the WTO. It often forms coalitions, such as the G33 group on agriculture, to advocate for special and differential treatment, food security, and livelihood concerns of its vast rural population. This leadership role gives India significant bargaining power, as it can mobilize a large bloc of countries to support or oppose proposals.

3. Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture is a highly sensitive sector for India, supporting a large percentage of its population. India's stance on issues like public stockholding for food security purposes and agricultural subsidies is a major sticking point in WTO negotiations. Given the importance of these issues to India's domestic policy and the livelihoods of millions, India's consent is indispensable for any meaningful progress in agricultural trade talks.

4. Services Trade: India is a global powerhouse in services, particularly in information technology and business process outsourcing. It strongly advocates for greater liberalization in Mode 4 (movement of natural persons) of services trade, which often faces resistance from developed countries. India's significant contribution to global services trade means its demands in this area cannot be ignored.

5. Consensus-Based Decision Making: The WTO operates on the principle of consensus, meaning that all 164 member countries must agree for a decision to be adopted. This mechanism effectively grants every member, including India, a 'veto' power. India has skillfully used this procedural aspect to protect its interests and those of other developing nations, ensuring that agreements are not imposed by larger economies.

6. Principled Stand on Development Issues: India often takes a principled stand on issues of equity, fairness, and sustainable development, which resonates with many developing nations. This moral authority, combined with its economic weight, enhances its negotiating position.

In essence, India's economic heft, its strategic leadership among developing nations, its critical positions on key sectors like agriculture and services, and the WTO's consensus-driven framework collectively ensure that India's 'on board' status is a prerequisite for any significant movement or successful outcome in multilateral trade negotiations.