India’s Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce led an Indian delegation to the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation in Manila, Philippines. The meetings brought together economic ministers from all 11 ASEAN member nations and eight EAS partner countries to discuss regional trade, investment and economic policy.
Key facts
- India-ASEAN bilateral trade in 2025–26: USD 128.38 billion
- ASEAN’s share in India’s global trade: 10.55 per cent
- ASEAN member nations represented: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- EAS partner countries: India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Russia, United States
- Date of ASEAN-India Business Forum: 23 September 2026
- Date of Indian delegation business interactions: 22 September 2026
What was discussed at the meetings
The Economic Ministers exchanged views on current regional and global economic trends affecting Southeast Asia and beyond. The ASEAN Secretariat provided an outlook for 2027, focusing on how economic conditions may influence trade and investment patterns across the region. The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia presented research on how the region can achieve sustainable growth by combining three elements: energy infrastructure development, digital and industrial demand management, and trade and investment policies that work together cohesively.
India-ASEAN trade agreement review
The ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation placed significant emphasis on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). India stressed that any changes to this agreement should create balanced benefits for all parties and remove existing barriers to trade. The agreement currently shapes how goods move between India and the 11 ASEAN nations and affects businesses on both sides. India’s negotiating position is that the revised agreement should be easier for companies to use, more effective in reducing trade obstacles, and fairer in how it treats different types of goods and sectors across member countries.
India’s role and commitments
India reaffirmed its dedication to building strong commercial ties with ASEAN through trade agreements that work fairly for all sides. With ASEAN representing over 10 per cent of India’s total trade with the world, the relationship is strategically important. India’s commerce officials emphasized that the AITIGA review should strengthen rather than weaken trade flows, making it simpler for Indian exporters and importers to do business in Southeast Asia and vice versa. The Indian government also showed willingness to address concerns raised by its own businesses operating in the region.
Indian businesses in the region
On 22 September 2026, the Indian delegation met with Indian companies based in the Philippines to understand the practical difficulties they face when exporting goods and services to Southeast Asian markets. These discussions covered obstacles in customs procedures, regulatory requirements, logistics and market access. The feedback will likely inform India’s approach to the AITIGA review and other bilateral discussions with ASEAN members. The delegation also participated in the ASEAN-India Business Forum 2026 on 23 September, a platform where government officials and business representatives from both sides meet to explore cooperation opportunities and resolve commercial issues.
What this means for you
If you are an Indian exporter, manufacturer or service provider, the AITIGA review could make it easier or more difficult to sell your products and services in ASEAN countries depending on how negotiations proceed. Lower tariffs, simpler customs procedures or reduced trade barriers could benefit your business. If you work in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, information technology or manufacturing, trade outcomes with ASEAN directly affect your competitiveness and growth prospects. Students of commerce, economics or international relations should note that India-ASEAN trade ties are a major focus of government policy and career opportunities in this region are growing. Investors interested in South Asia and Southeast Asia should track the AITIGA review outcome, as it will shape cross-border investment and joint ventures between Indian and ASEAN businesses.
Background on India-ASEAN trade
India and ASEAN established formal trade ties through the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, which reduced tariffs and created preferential market access for member nations’ exports. ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner globally, making the relationship crucial for India’s economic growth and regional influence. The agreement has been periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changing economic conditions and remove barriers that prevent businesses from taking full advantage of trade opportunities.