BS EDIT: India Must Not Exit Asean Trade Pact

By Business StandardPublished On Jul 10, 2025

Indian industry’s demand for protection ignores India’s need for open markets and integration to build real, lasting competitiveness

Dumping concerns are valid, but shared. Vietnam too faces them. The solution lies in collaboration, not retreat from trade agreements

Outdated rules of origin must be reformed, not weaponised. Modern trade needs flexibility and reflects globally fragmented value chains

Asean is deepening ties with China in key sectors. India must stay engaged if it wants access to capital, tech and global supply chains

FTAs aren’t just about big firms. Consumers, exporters and price stability depend on them. Blame poor export data on domestic policy, not trade

Asean is a strategic partner, not a proxy for China. India must work to align the region with its Indo-Pacific vision, not walk away