India–ASEAN trade reaches US$128 billion as partners accelerate free trade agreement review

Bilateral trade between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached US$128 billion during the 2025–26 financial year, as reported by IANS, a TV BRICS partner.

According to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ASEAN continues to rank among the country's most significant trading partners, accounting for approximately 11 per cent of India's total global trade. The latest figures highlight the expanding economic integration between India and Southeast Asia as both sides seek to strengthen resilient supply chains and boost regional growth.

To advance this cooperation, India is hosting the 13th ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee and related technical meetings. The discussions are focused on reviewing and modernising the existing trade agreement to make it more responsive to current business and investment needs.

The Joint Committee was co-chaired by senior officials from India's Department of Commerce and Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, reflecting Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2026.

During the meeting, participating countries provided strategic direction to specialist working groups responsible for key areas of the negotiations. Officials called for faster progress on unresolved chapters and agreed on time-bound objectives to maintain momentum towards completing the review.