ISAS Briefs

India’s planned participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has seemingly caused concerns within the Indian industry of the possible flooding of cheap Chinese imports into the Indian market. Similarly, its international trade position, and commitments with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have brought to the forefront the benefits and challenges India will experience by joining the RCEP. This paper analyses the opportunities that the RCEP provides to India to achieve its long-term domestic economic goals and to further India-ASEAN economic cooperation even if the trade pact focusses just on trade in goods and does not include services.