» ASEAN-India FTA
The FTA between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India was expected to be signed at the ASEAN Summit, on 27 February in Thailand. This might be delayed, as India has not yet confirmed its attendance at the signing ceremony. National protectionism in the face of the unfolding financial crisis is expected to be an important part of the deliberations at the Summit. While ASEAN members may be working towards greater integration as a way ahead, the Indian government may find it difficult to justify a FTA at a time when industry is being adversely impacted by the global recession and contracting domestic demand.

Downturn may force India to postpone trade pact with ASEAN
Mint | February 19, 2009
The deal between ASEAN and India was under negotiation for the last six years. Two senior government officials confirmed that FTA with ASEAN along with similar agreements with Thailand and South Korea had been readied and put up to the cabinet for approval. “It is now a political decision,” one of the officials said.

Summit to address trade barriers
The Nation | February 19, 2009
ASEAN leaders will issue a joint statement on protectionism in global trading amid the financial crunch during the ASEAN Summit. With emerging non-tariff barriers causing slowdowns in export growth, ASEAN members will call on all countries, particularly developed nations, to stop erecting them.

ASEAN willing to go ahead with FTA
The Hindu | February 21, 2009
The ASEAN has indicated its willingness to sign the FTA with India by resolving “a last-minute procedural matter” through “consultations.” This was done before India announced that the FTA might not be signed at the ASEAN Summit as planned before the “procedural” issue became intractable.