India-ASEAN bilateral trade reached $128 billion in 2025–26, reaffirming ASEAN’s position as one of India’s largest trading partners. India is hosting the 13th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting to accelerate the review of the trade agreement and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and market access.
Key Highlights
- India-ASEAN bilateral trade reached $128 billion in 2025–26.
- ASEAN accounts for around 11% of India’s global trade.
- India hosts the 13th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting from July 6–10.
- Negotiations focus on customs, market access and rules of origin to enhance regional trade.
New Delhi, July 08: India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are taking significant steps to deepen their economic partnership as bilateral trade reached $128 billion during 2025–26, highlighting the growing importance of the regional bloc in India’s global trade strategy. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ASEAN continues to be one of India’s largest trading partners, contributing nearly 11 per cent of the country’s total global trade.
To further strengthen economic cooperation, India is hosting the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee (JC) and related meetings from July 6 to 10. The discussions are aimed at accelerating the review of AITIGA, improving the existing trade framework and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and regional economic integration.
During the Joint Committee meeting, participating countries reviewed the progress made by various Sub-Committees responsible for different chapters of the agreement. The committee provided strategic guidance and directed the groups to expedite negotiations, assigning time-bound deliverables to ensure the early conclusion of pending chapters under the AITIGA review.
Three major Sub-Committee meetings are being held alongside the Joint Committee discussions, covering Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, National Treatment and Market Access, and Rules of Origin. These negotiations are expected to simplify trade procedures, improve market access and create a more transparent and predictable trading environment for businesses across India and ASEAN member countries.
The 13th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is being co-chaired by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Nitin Kumar Yadav, and Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. Officials said the meetings provide an important platform to strengthen mutual understanding, enhance regional cooperation and advance constructive dialogue, reinforcing the long-term India-ASEAN economic partnership.
Conclusion
With bilateral trade crossing $128 billion and the AITIGA review progressing, India and ASEAN are laying the foundation for a more modern, efficient and mutually beneficial trade framework that is expected to boost investment, market access and regional economic growth.
