Archive · 23 Jun 2025
ASEAN 'Stonewalling' India on FTA Review
India and the ASEAN countries have a trade agreement to help them trade.
But India imports a lot more from ASEAN than it exports, creating a large trade imbalance.
India wants to change the agreement to fix this, but the ASEAN countries are not moving forward quickly with the talks.
India lowered tariffs on many products, but some ASEAN countries didn't do the same, which is why the review is important.
ASEAN is delaying the review of the India-ASEAN FTA.
The FTA, implemented in 2010, led to a widening trade deficit for India.
India offered duty concessions on 71% of tariff lines, while some ASEAN members opened fewer.
Nine rounds of talks have occurred since the review began in 2023, with little progress.
India's trade deficit with ASEAN reached $45.2 billion in FY25.
- Who
- India and ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
- What
- ASEAN nations are slowing down the review of the India-ASEAN FTA.
- When
- The FTA was implemented in 2010, and the review began in 2023.
- Where
- Negotiations are ongoing.
- Why
- India seeks to address trade imbalances.
India's Stance
ASEAN's Stance
Review Progress
India's Stance
India wants a balanced and sustainable pact and is insisting on reviewing the agreement.
ASEAN's Stance
ASEAN is slowing down negotiations for the FTA review.
Tariff Concessions
India's Stance
India offered duty concessions on over 71% of tariff lines.
ASEAN's Stance
Some ASEAN members opened fewer tariff lines.
- Agreement Date
- 2010 (Implementation)
- Review Start
- 2023
- India Tariff Concessions
- 71% of tariff lines
- India's Trade Deficit with ASEAN (FY25)
- $45.2 billion
- India Exports to ASEAN (FY25)
- $38.96 billion
- India Imports from ASEAN (FY25)
- $84.16 billion
