Trade Pact Breakthrough: India Accelerates AITIGA Negotiations to Bolster $128 Billion Bilateral Ties with ASEAN Nations
India Hosts High-Level Meeting to Advance ASEAN-India Trade Agreement Review
New Delhi served as the crucial host for the 13th meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee (JC). Held at Vanijya Bhawan, the hybrid meetings took place from July 6 to 10, 2026. The primary focus of the gathering was reviewing the ongoing progress and strengthening the negotiations under the AITIGA Review framework.The meeting provided a vital platform for deepening cooperation between India and ASEAN members. Strategic guidance was given by the Joint Committee to its various sub-committees working in critical areas. These discussions aimed at fostering constructive dialogue and enhancing mutual understanding among the partners.
Key Sub-Committees Expedite Outstanding Agreement Chapters
Three dedicated sub-committees were actively convened during the 13th AITIGA meeting. These specialized forums included the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF). Others focused intently on the National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA) and the Rules of Origin (SC-ROO) chapters.The Joint Committee urged these sub-committees to expedite the finalization of all outstanding chapters related to the AITIGA Review. To ensure continuous momentum in the negotiations, time-bound deliverables were assigned to push for tangible outcomes within the agreed timelines.
Bilateral Trade Reaches $128 Billion as Partnerships Expand
ASEAN continues to stand as one of India's most vital trading partners globally. The bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached an impressive USD 128 billion during the fiscal year 2025-26. This figure clearly reflects the robust economic relationship established between the two regions.These strong figures underline the continuous opportunities present to expand further in both trade and investment cooperation. AITIGA is instrumental in building this solid foundation of mutual prosperity, benefiting both India and all ten ASEAN Member States.
Ministerial Delegates Drive Consensus Across All ASEAN Nations
The meeting was officially co-chaired by Additional Secretary Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav from the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade) from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in Malaysia, also co-chaired the proceedings.Delegations representing all ASEAN Member States participated in the key sessions. This comprehensive participation included Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The consensus achieved during this high-level review solidifies the path forward for the AITIGA pact.
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