Publication

India has actively engaged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reaching a zenith with the signing of ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) on 13 August 2009. Further, India has plans for bilateral free trade agreements (FTA) with select ASEAN member nations. Broadly speaking, the comparative advantage of ASEAN member countries is in manufacturing, while that of India is in services. Hence both ASEAN and India can exploit their relative strengths. The paper will seek to look beyond trade in goods to flag other areas that might offer scope for broader engagement in the future.