News Insights · August 11, 2025 · 1 minute read
India is hosting ASEAN leaders from August 11–14 in New Delhi for the next round of talks on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). The agreement, signed in 2009, is under review to correct trade imbalances and address India’s concerns about market access.
Earlier this year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the agreement, saying it gave competitors easy entry into Indian markets and allowed Chinese goods to enter via ASEAN countries. His remarks caused some unease, but recent diplomatic efforts have improved the atmosphere.
In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, and Mr. Goyal met Malaysian Trade Minister Tzafrul Aziz. Both sides agreed to fast-track the AITIGA review for completion by the end of 2025. PM Modi may also attend the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
ASEAN consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. India’s trade deficit with ASEAN has widened sharply:
- 2017–18 → Exports: $34.2B, Imports: $47.1B (Deficit: $12.9B)
- 2024–25 → Exports: $39B, Imports: $84.2B (Deficit: $45.2B)
The widening trade gap is a key reason behind India’s push for a fairer trade deal.
Source: The Hindu
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