Indian Economy News

India Hosts 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee Meeting to Advance ASEAN-India Trade Pact Review

India hosted the 13th Joint Committee meeting for the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, from July 6-10, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening trade and economic cooperation with ASEAN. Held in a hybrid format, the meeting reviewed progress in negotiations aimed at modernising the trade agreement to facilitate greater market access, improve trade facilitation and deepen regional economic integration. The meeting was co-chaired by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nitin Kumar Yadav, and Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia, Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. Delegations from all 10 ASEAN Member States participated in the discussions. ASEAN remains one of India's largest trading partners, accounting for around 11% of the country's global trade, while bilateral trade reached Rs. 11,31,136 crore (US$ 128 billion) in 2025-26, highlighting the growing strength of the India-ASEAN economic partnership.

On the sidelines of the Joint Committee meeting, three Sub-Committee meetings on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, National Treatment and Market Access, and Rules of Origin were held to advance negotiations under the AITIGA review process. The Joint Committee provided strategic guidance to expedite the finalisation of pending chapters and assigned time-bound deliverables to ensure meaningful progress within agreed timelines. The review is expected to make the agreement more business-friendly by simplifying trade procedures, improving market access and enhancing supply chain resilience across the region. Strengthening the AITIGA framework is also expected to boost bilateral trade, encourage greater investment flows and create new opportunities for businesses by reinforcing India's economic engagement with ASEAN under its Act East Policy and supporting sustainable regional growth.

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