India Hosts 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee Meeting to Advance ASEAN-India Trade Pact Review

**Executive Summary** India hosted the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting in New Delhi from July 6 to 10, 2026, to advance the ongoing review of the bilateral trade pact. The committee provided strategic guidance to expedite negotiations, assigning time-bound deliverables to various sub-committees to ensure the finalization of outstanding chapters. The meeting aimed to strengthen an economic partnership that reached USD 128 billion in bilateral trade during 2025–26. **Key Points / Main Content** **Meeting Overview and Participation** * The 13th AITIGA Joint Committee (JC) meeting was held on July 7, 2026, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, in a hybrid format. * The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Additional Secretary (Department of Commerce) and Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary General (Trade). * Delegates from all ten ASEAN Member States participated: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. **Negotiation Progress and Strategic Directives** * The primary objective was to review the progress of negotiations under the AITIGA Review. * The JC issued a directive to expedite the finalization of all outstanding review chapters. * Sub-committees were assigned specific, time-bound deliverables to maintain negotiation momentum and achieve tangible outcomes within agreed timelines. **Sub-Committee Activities** * Three of the eight sub-committees held meetings on the sidelines of the main JC meeting: * Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF). * Sub-Committee on National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA). * Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin (SC-ROO). * These meetings focused on deepening cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding, and advancing constructive dialogue in their respective technical areas. **Trade and Economic Context** * ASEAN accounts for approximately 11% of India's global trade. * Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 128 billion during the 2025–26 period. * The review process is intended to further expand trade and investment cooperation between the two regions. **Impact Analysis** **AITIGA Sub-Committees (SC-CPTF, SC-NTMA, and SC-ROO)** **Impact** These groups have been placed under increased pressure to deliver results following strategic guidance and new mandates from the Joint Committee. **Action Required** They must expedite the finalization of outstanding chapters and meet specific, time-bound deliverables within the agreed-upon timelines. **India and ASEAN Member State Delegations** **Impact** The delegations are engaged in a deepened level of cooperation and constructive dialogue aimed at revising the existing trade agreement to reflect current economic realities. **Action Required** Delegates must continue participating in the hybrid negotiation format and work closely to achieve tangible outcomes that support the USD 128 billion economic partnership. **Department of Commerce (India) and Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Malaysia)** **Impact** As co-chairs, these bodies are responsible for the strategic direction and successful conclusion of the AITIGA Review. **Action Required** They must provide ongoing oversight to the eight sub-committees and ensure that the momentum of negotiations is maintained across all participating member states.

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