The 3rd meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee concluded in New Delhi on February 19, 2024. This meeting was chaired by Mr. Rajesh Agrawal of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa of Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry. The meeting also saw participation from ASEAN countries.

Initiated in 2009, the AITIGA aims to enhance trade facilitation and mutual benefits. Eight sub-committees, formed under the Joint Committee, discussed various policy areas related to the Agreement in previous meetings held in May and August 2023.

During the recent meeting, the Joint Committee conducted detailed discussions, reviewing progress made in negotiations. Sub-committees reported on market access, Rules of Origin, standards, and technical regulations. The Committee outlined focus areas for further deliberations and updated the work program, guiding sub-committees to carry forward negotiations.

India-ASEAN trade reached USD 131.58 Bn in 2022-23. The ongoing AITIGA review is expected to foster balanced and sustainable trade expansion between the two regions. Both sides aim to conclude the review by 2025. The 4th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for May 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.