India and ASEAN to Fast-Track Trade Pact Review
India and ASEAN agree to expedite pending chapters of the AITIGA trade pact to modernize economic integration and strengthen bilateral trade.
India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reached a strategic agreement to accelerate the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). The move aims to expedite pending chapters and modernize the existing trade framework to foster stronger economic integration between the two regions.
Focus on Time-Bound Deliverables
The decision was finalized during the 15th meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 6 to 9. According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Joint Committee has instructed all sub-committees to prioritize outstanding work and ensure closer coordination. This approach is designed to achieve measurable progress and resolve long-standing policy issues that have hindered the trade pact's evolution.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to building a balanced, constructive, and forward-looking agreement. The goal is to establish a mutually beneficial framework that significantly boosts bilateral trade volumes.
Key Sub-Committees in Action
The main session was accompanied by intensive discussions within three critical sub-committees, which focused on technical and legal complexities:
- Sub-Committee on Legal and Institutional Issues
- Sub-Committee on National Treatment on Market Access
- Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin
These sessions provided a vital platform for both sides to enhance collaboration and sustain dialogue on the complex issues currently stalling the modernization of the agreement.
Next Milestone: January 2027 Meeting
The momentum generated in Jakarta will lead directly to the next major milestone. The AITIGA Joint Committee is scheduled to meet again in India in January 2027. This upcoming meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format and will serve to assess the progress made by the sub-committees, providing the necessary guidance to ensure the timely conclusion of the entire review process.
The meeting in Jakarta was co-chaired by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade) at Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. The discussions saw participation from delegations representing all ASEAN member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.