On March 30, 2026, the 12th Meeting of the Joint Committee on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA JC 12) took place at the ASEAN Secretariat Headquarter (Jakarta, Indonesia). The meeting was attended by representatives from all ASEAN countries and India to discuss and address outstanding issues in the negotiations for the review and upgrade of the AITIGA. On the sidelines of the AITIGA JC 12, working groups including those on Rules of Origin (ROO), Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (CPTF) also met in Jakarta at the same time.

During the meeting, ASEAN countries updated and exchanged views on major guidances related to the review and upgrading process of the AITIGA, especially the outcomes of the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Retreat (AEM Retreat). The meeting emphasized the importance of promoting a comprehensive and substantive review and upgrading of the AITIGA, ensuring a balance of benefits and enhancing the effective utilization of the Agreement in the context of volatile regional and global trade.

The meeting also noted the progress reports on the review and upgrading of the AITIGA under such sub-committees as National Treatment and Market Access (NTMA), Rules of Origin (ROO), Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (CPTF), Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures (STRACAP), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), Trade Remedies (TR), and Legal and Institutional Issues (LII). The meeting focused on discussing outstanding issues and identifying areas for further progress to narrow the negotiation gap between the two sides.

The Meeting also discussed the direction and next steps towards achieving significant results in the review and upgrading of the AITIGA. The countries emphasized the need to maintain the momentum of negotiations, strengthen intra-ASEAN coordination, and proactively propose solutions to resolve obstacles in the negotiation process with India.

In addition to the negotiation status, the Meeting also discussed the implementation of the AITIGA, including updates on issues arising during implementation and difficulties faced by businesses. The participating countries agreed on the need to closely monitor the implementation and promptly address any issues to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the Agreement.

Furthermore, the Meeting also discussed the work plan for the review and upgrading of the AITIGA in 2026, including the meeting schedule and timelines for subsequent rounds of negotiations. The participating countries also discussed preparations for the 13th AITIGA JC 13 and related meetings, as well as other issues related to the review and upgrading process.

The Meeting affirmed the commitment of ASEAN countries and India to promoting the review and upgrading of the AITIGA in a comprehensive, effective, and appropriate manner for the new context, thereby contributing to strengthening economic and trade relations between ASEAN and India, as well as enhancing the role of the Agreement in supporting businesses and promoting regional economic integration.