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ASEAN-India Trade Pact Review Continues, Conclusion Delayed Until 2025
3 Oct, 2025
Summary
- India, ASEAN trade negotiators meet in Jakarta to review goods trade pact
- Progress made, but review not expected to conclude before October 2025 summit
- Review process led by joint committee with 8 sub-committees on various issues
As of October 3, 2025, India and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc are still in the process of reviewing their existing trade agreement on goods. Trade negotiators from both sides are meeting in Jakarta this week to push forward the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
The official overseeing the review process has stated that while some progress has been made in the last 3-4 months, the talks are still not at a stage where the review can be concluded in time for the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit scheduled for October 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. The leaders at the summit will be updated on the progress and provided further guidance.
The review is being conducted by a joint committee with eight sub-committees, each focusing on specific aspects such as customs procedures, rules of origin, and trade remedies. The Indian industry has long demanded this review, as they seek an upgraded pact that addresses the current asymmetries in bilateral trade and makes it more balanced and sustainable.
ASEAN, as a group, is one of India's major trade partners, accounting for around 11% of the country's global trade. Bilateral trade between India and the ASEAN bloc reached $123 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with India's exports standing at $96 billion and imports at $84.15 billion.
