Jakarta, Indonesia: India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are scheduled to convene the next round of negotiations on their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in goods in April 2025. This meeting in Jakarta follows the fourth round of discussions that concluded in November 2024. The primary objectives of the review are to enhance market access, streamline trade regulations, and address trade imbalances affecting Indian businesses. Notably, India reported a trade deficit of $38.8 billion with ASEAN in the fiscal year 2023-24, primarily due to higher imports of electronics, palm oil, and other commodities.

According to trade officials, the review aims to enhance market access, streamline trade regulations, and address trade imbalances that have been a concern for Indian businesses. India has consistently reported a trade deficit with ASEAN, which stood at $43 billion in 2024, mainly due to higher imports of electronics, palm oil, and other commodities.

Key Focus Areas of the India-ASEAN FTA Talks: Expanding Bilateral Trade, Market Access, and Strategic Partnerships:

1. Trade Imbalances and Market Access: India aims to reduce its trade deficit by negotiating lower tariffs on key exports, including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and agricultural products. Conversely, ASEAN members seek greater access to the Indian market for their processed foods, electronics, and palm oil industries.
2. Non-Tariff Barriers and Regulatory Reforms: Indian businesses have expressed concerns over complex customs procedures, restrictive import regulations, and technical standards that hinder access to ASEAN markets. The negotiations will explore solutions to simplify trade documentation and reduce delays.
3. E-Commerce and Digital Trade: With the rapid growth of digital transactions, discussions may include integrating e-commerce regulations, cross-border data flows, and digital taxation policies into the agreement, potentially enhancing opportunities for startups and MSMEs.
4. Supply Chain Resilience and Investment Promotion: Strengthening regional supply chains is a priority, especially in light of global disruptions. India is advocating for improved investment protection measures to attract more ASEAN investors into its manufacturing and technology sectors.
5. Reviewing the 2009 India-ASEAN FTA: The ongoing discussions aim to revise and update the terms of the 2009 India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, ensuring it remains equitable for both parties.

FTA Review: A Step Towards Strengthening Trade Relations

The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009, was designed to promote economic cooperation and eliminate trade barriers. Over the years, bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching $121 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. However, India’s trade deficit with ASEAN remains a concern, standing at $38.8 billion in 2023-24. Indian industries have frequently raised issues regarding non-tariff barriers, complex customs procedures, and the misuse of trade preferences by third countries using ASEAN as a transit hub.

India-ASEAN Trade: Economic Significance and Dynamics

ASEAN is one of India’s largest trading partners, accounting for 11% of its total global trade. The region is also a key part of India’s Act East Policy, aimed at expanding economic and strategic cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Between April and October 2024, bilateral trade reached $73 billion, reflecting a 5.2% year-on-year growth. Officials anticipate that a successful FTA review could boost investments and improve trade facilitation for businesses on both sides.

The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), established in 2009, has been instrumental in promoting trade liberalization and economic integration. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached $121 billion, with a notable 5.2% growth, amounting to $73 billion during the April-October 2024 period.

Despite this growth, India has experienced a persistent trade deficit with ASEAN, recorded at $43 billion in 2023. This imbalance underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the FTA to ensure equitable benefits for all parties involved.

Key Economic Objectives of the FTA Review

1. Tariff Revisions and Market Access: India aims to secure preferential tariff reductions for its exports, particularly in sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Conversely, ASEAN member states are likely to seek enhanced access to the Indian market for their electronics, textiles, and processed food products.
2. Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers: Indian exporters have faced challenges due to non-tariff barriers, including stringent regulatory standards and complex customs procedures in ASEAN countries. The review seeks to streamline these processes, reducing transaction costs and facilitating smoother trade flows.
3. Strengthening Rules of Origin: To prevent the circumvention of trade rules by third-party countries, both sides are expected to discuss implementing more stringent rules of origin, ensuring that only goods substantially produced within member countries benefit from preferential tariffs.
4.  Enhancing Trade in Services: Recognizing the growing significance of the services sector, discussions may extend to areas such as information technology, financial services, and digital trade. Collaborative efforts in these domains could lead to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and the creation of new economic opportunities.

Strengthening India-ASEAN Trade Relations for Sustainable Growth:

The upcoming India-ASEAN FTA review in April 2025 marks a strategic step in enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. With India’s trade deficit with ASEAN at $43.57 billion in 2022-23, and $38.8 billion in 2023-24, the focus on tariff revisions, non-tariff barriers, and trade remedies is crucial for creating a more balanced trade environment. From an SEO perspective, the modernization of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is expected to boost regional trade, investment flows, and market accessibility for key industries such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and digital services. The introduction of enhanced Rules of Origin (ROO) and trade remedy mechanisms will ensure fair competition and protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices. Given that ASEAN accounts for 11.3% of India’s global trade, this review will not only strengthen India’s economic presence in Southeast Asia but also align with its Act East Policy. Businesses should monitor these FTA developments, as potential tariff reductions and policy changes could present new export and investment opportunities. The Jakarta meeting will set the foundation for a stronger economic alliance, fostering sustainable trade, increased foreign direct investment (FDI), and regional economic stability. Stay tuned for further updates on the India-ASEAN FTA negotiations and their impact on the global trade landscape.