India is seeking more equitable terms in the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) due to a widening trade deficit. Despite India’s lower per capita income, it opened 71% of tariff lines, while some ASEAN members opened far fewer. India flagged this asymmetry during ongoing FTA review talks, calling for better balance, transparency, and safeguards for domestic industries. The issue was highlighted after nine rounds of renegotiation, with India aiming to conclude the review by 2025.

BulletsIn

• India opened 71% tariff lines; Indonesia just 41%, Vietnam 66.5%, Thailand 67%
• Trade deficit with ASEAN rose sharply since FTA began in 2010
• Imports from ASEAN grew 186% between FY11–FY23; exports up only 65%
• FY24: India’s imports from ASEAN $66.5B, exports only $32.7B
• India wants country-wise review, not bloc-level uniformity
• India calls ASEAN a diverse bloc, not a customs union
• Industry fears dumping, especially in steel, electronics
• Govt flagged lack of ‘melt-and-pour’ clause in past deal
• No major FTA signed in past decade faced MSME/farmer opposition
• India pushing to conclude FTA review with Malaysia by 2025