The Indian delegation, led by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, participated in the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation in Manila, Philippines.
Economic Ministers or their representatives from all 11 ASEAN countries attended the meetings. These included Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. EAS partners, including India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Russia and the United States, also participated.
The meetings covered regional and global economic developments. The ASEAN Secretariat presented its economic outlook for 2027. The briefing also examined the expected impact on regional trade and investment flows.
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) presented a paper titled “Powering the EAS Region’s Next Wave of Growth: An Integrated Approach to Energy Security and Industrial Clusters.” The paper proposed an integrated approach linking energy infrastructure with digital and industrial demand. It also highlighted the role of coordinated trade and investment policies.
Trade Discussions Focus on AITIGA
During the ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation, India highlighted its commitment to stronger trade partnerships. It also stressed the need for regional trade agreements to deliver mutual benefits.
The discussions focused on the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). The review aims to facilitate trade flows and address existing trade asymmetries.
Bilateral ASEAN-India trade reached USD 128.38 billion in 2025–26. ASEAN accounted for 10.55 per cent of India’s total global trade during the period.
India reiterated that the AITIGA review should produce a mutually beneficial outcome. It also called for an agreement that is balanced, effective, user-friendly and more trade facilitative for businesses.
ASEAN-India Trade Links with Indian Businesses
On the sidelines of the meetings, the Indian delegation met Indian businesses operating in the Philippines on September 22, 2026. The discussions covered issues faced by businesses while exporting goods and services.
The delegation also participated in the ASEAN-India Business Forum 2026 on September 23. The forum provided another platform for discussions on business and trade cooperation between India and the ASEAN region.
The meetings in Manila highlighted the continuing importance of ASEAN-India trade and the role of AITIGA in shaping the future of the bilateral economic partnership. The ongoing review is focused on making trade arrangements more balanced and practical for businesses.
