India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by hosting the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee (JC) and related meetings at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi from July 6 to 10, 2026. Conducted in a hybrid format, the high-level meetings are focused on reviewing the progress of negotiations under the ongoing AITIGA Review and identifying ways to modernise the trade pact to better reflect evolving global trade dynamics.
The series of meetings highlights the shared intent of India and ASEAN member countries to deepen economic integration, improve trade facilitation, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and investors across the region.
Focus on Advancing Trade Agreement Review
The 13th Joint Committee meeting forms an important milestone in the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, which governs merchandise trade between India and the ten ASEAN nations. The review aims to make the agreement more efficient, transparent and responsive to present-day trade requirements by addressing implementation challenges and simplifying trade procedures.
Officials from India and ASEAN discussed the progress made under various negotiating tracks while setting priorities for the next phase of discussions. The committee also provided strategic direction to accelerate negotiations and ensure that pending chapters of the agreement are completed within the agreed timelines.
Sub-Committees Drive Technical Negotiations
Running alongside the Joint Committee meeting are sessions of three key Sub-Committees that are handling technical aspects of the agreement. These include the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF), the Sub-Committee on National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA), and the Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin (SC-ROO).
The meetings are serving as an important platform for experts and negotiators to discuss practical solutions aimed at reducing trade barriers, streamlining customs processes, enhancing market access and improving the rules governing the origin of goods traded under the agreement.
The Joint Committee encouraged these Sub-Committees to work with greater urgency and assigned them time-bound deliverables to maintain the momentum of negotiations. The objective is to achieve tangible outcomes that can contribute to a more balanced and business-friendly trade framework.
High-Level Participation from India and ASEAN
The main Joint Committee meeting, held on July 7, 2026, was co-chaired by Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade) in Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Senior officials and trade representatives from all ten ASEAN Member States participated in the discussions. The participating countries included Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The broad participation reflects the importance attached by both India and ASEAN to enhancing regional trade cooperation and ensuring that the revised agreement delivers mutual economic benefits.
Strengthening a Key Economic Partnership
ASEAN continues to be one of India’s most significant trading partners, contributing around 11 per cent of India’s global trade. The growing commercial relationship is evident from the bilateral trade volume, which reached USD 128 billion during 2025–26.
The sustained growth in trade underscores the expanding economic engagement between India and Southeast Asia across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, electronics, pharmaceuticals, digital services and investment.
Officials believe that a modernised AITIGA can further strengthen supply chains, encourage greater participation of businesses, improve market access and facilitate smoother movement of goods across borders.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement is expected to lay the foundation for a more contemporary and effective trade framework capable of addressing emerging economic challenges and opportunities. By focusing on customs efficiency, market access and transparent trade rules, both sides aim to create a more predictable environment for businesses.
As negotiations continue, India and ASEAN remain committed to expanding economic cooperation, boosting bilateral investments and fostering resilient regional value chains. The successful conclusion of the AITIGA Review is expected to further reinforce one of the Indo-Pacific region’s most important trade partnerships and support long-term economic growth for all participating countries.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
