India's ASEAN FTA narrative shifts: myth of bad deal costs diplomatic capital

The Diplomat argues that India's perception of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement as a bad deal is a myth that has hindered deeper economic integration and diplomatic ties. The piece challenges the prevailing narrative, suggesting that India's trade deficit with ASEAN is not solely due to the FTA and that the agreement has strategic value. This matters because it could influence India's future trade policy and its engagement with Southeast Asia, potentially reshaping regional economic dynamics.

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