Intro
India-ASEAN trade reaches $128 billion, boosting economic partnership through AITIGA review talks
New Delhi
Bilateral trade between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached $128 billion during 2025–26, highlighting the growing economic partnership and expanding opportunities for trade and investment cooperation, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.
ASEAN continues to remain one of India’s key trading partners, accounting for around 11 percent of India’s total global trade, according to an official statement.
To further strengthen economic ties, India is hosting the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee Meeting and related discussions from July 6 to 10. The meetings are focused on reviewing progress under the AITIGA Review and improving the framework governing trade in goods between India and ASEAN nations.
The Joint Committee meeting provided strategic guidance to various sub-committees and called for faster completion of pending chapters under the AITIGA Review. The committees have been assigned time-bound targets and encouraged to work closely towards achieving meaningful outcomes within agreed timelines.
The ministry said three of the eight sub-committees under the AITIGA Joint Committee are currently holding discussions alongside the main meeting. These include the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, the Sub-Committee on National Treatment and Market Access, and the Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin.
The ongoing negotiations aim to enhance cooperation, improve market access, strengthen trade facilitation measures, and build greater understanding between India and ASEAN member countries.
The 13th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is being co-chaired by Nitin Kumar Yadav and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. The discussions are expected to play an important role in shaping the future direction of India-ASEAN trade relations and promoting deeper economic integration.
