New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, during his recent visit to Malaysia, underscored the urgency of completing the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and highlighted development partnerships in the digital, maritime, health, and innovation sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Monday.
Margherita led the Indian delegation to the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AIFMM), the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), held in Kuala Lumpur from July 10–11, 2025.
At the AIFMM on July 10, Margherita reiterated India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality and extended India’s continued backing of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. He also commended progress on the 10-point proposal announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Lao PDR in 2024, aimed at strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Margherita also shared initiatives undertaken this year under the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism.
“He emphasised the need for early completion of the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and underlined development partnerships in digital, maritime, health and innovation,” the MEA statement noted.
During the 15th EAS FMM on July 11, Margherita highlighted India’s contributions to the Leaders-led East Asia Summit platform as it marks 20 years, and exchanged views on current regional and international developments. The meeting also discussed preparations for the 20th EAS Summit, scheduled for October 2025.
At the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting on the same day, Margherita participated in discussions on pressing regional and global issues and outlined the future trajectory of the ARF process. He strongly condemned Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, particularly in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and praised ASEAN-led mechanisms and the emerging regional security architecture as vital for candid dialogue and collaborative action on regional challenges.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings, Margherita also held bilateral meetings with the ASEAN Secretary General and the foreign ministers of Cambodia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. (ANI)
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