The Joint Committee deliberated on ways to streamline procedures, improve transparency, and strengthen the operational aspects of AITIGA. The review, which has already seen progress through eight earlier negotiation rounds, is expected to provide a modernized framework that benefits businesses and enhances regional economic growth.
Seven Sub-Committees Advance Review
On the sidelines of the main meeting, seven of the eight active Sub-Committees convened to advance sector-specific discussions. These included the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF), Legal and Institutional Issues (SC-LII), National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SC-SPS), Rules of Origin (SC-ROO), Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures (SC-STRACAP), and Trade Remedies (SC-TR).
The Sub-Committees worked to harmonize standards, reduce non-tariff barriers, and enhance mutual recognition systems, ensuring that the review of AITIGA remains comprehensive and responsive to current trade needs.
Strengthening ASEAN–India Economic Ties
ASEAN continues to be one of India’s most significant trading partners, accounting for around 11% of India’s total global trade. Bilateral trade reached an impressive USD 123 billion in 2024–25, underlining the depth of the partnership and its potential for further growth.
Officials noted that the AITIGA review is not only about removing trade barriers but also about future-proofing the agreement to meet new challenges, including supply chain resilience, digital trade, and sustainability.
Next Steps
The next meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee will take place on October 6–7, 2025, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, and will be hosted by Malaysia. Both sides expressed optimism about concluding a more modern and business-friendly agreement in the near future.