The importance of Asean for India

The evolving regional trade context should be the primary guiding factor for the AITIGA review

The review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is scheduled to begin next month. This has been a long-pending demand from the Indian industry seeking to alter the provisions of the agreement so that the bilateral trade balance, which is in favour of Asean, can be potentially reduced or reversed. Statements by the Indian industry, following soon after the review announcement last November, flagging an increase in certain imports from Asean (Business Standard, December 11, 2023), reflect the same sentiment. However, it would be best if the Indian negotiations are not guided solely by these apprehensions but undertaken