India and ASEAN have assessed the progress of negotiations for the review of their free trade agreement in goods, according to the Economic Times. The evaluation took place during the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee and related meetings. The India-ASEAN free trade agreement in goods was signed in 2009. ASEAN is a key trade partner of India, accounting for about 11 per cent of India's global trade.
Review of AITIGA Progress
The Joint Committee provided strategic guidance to the Sub-Committees in their respective areas of work and urged them to expedite the finalisation of the outstanding chapters under the AITIGA review, according to the source. This indicates that multiple chapters remain under negotiation as part of the review process, which aims to modernise the 2009 pact.
Bilateral Trade Volumes
Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached $128 billion in 2025-26, the report stated. The 11 per cent share of ASEAN in India's global trade underscores the importance of this trading relationship. The review of the goods FTA is intended to further enhance trade flows between the two sides.
Strategic Guidance and Next Steps
The Joint Committee meeting served as a platform to review progress and provide direction. The source quoted the committee's statement:
The Joint Committee provided strategic guidance to the Sub-Committees in their respective areas of work and urged them to expedite the finalisation of the outstanding chapters under the AITIGA review.
The outcome of the review could lead to updated tariff concessions, rules of origin, and other trade facilitation measures, though the source does not specify details beyond the guidance to expedite.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FTA Signed | 2009 |
| ASEAN share of India's global trade | 11% |
| Bilateral trade (2025-26) | $128 billion |
| Review meeting | 13th AITIGA Joint Committee |
The review process is ongoing, with the Joint Committee providing strategic direction. The source does not indicate when the review is expected to conclude. For importers and exporters, the review may lead to changes in tariff rates and trade rules, but specific adjustments have not yet been announced.
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