India pulls out of RCEP, paves way for 15 nations to sign China-backed deal

Modi decided not to join the deal in order to protect service workers and farmers

India pulled out of a trade pact covering much of Asia, paving the way for 15 other countries to sign the China-backed regional trade deal next year.

India conveyed its decision to exit the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, foreign ministry official Vijay Thakur Singh told reporters in Bangkok on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that he was guided by the impact it would have on the lives and livelihoods of all Indians, especially vulnerable sections of society, she said.

“India had significant issues of core interest that remained unresolved,” Singh said. “India has participated in good faith in the