India is discussing free bilateral trade agreement with Australia, says foreign minister
India might sign the (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) from which it previously walked out
Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies signed the RCEP last month, forming the world’s largest free-trade bloc
The pact expects to eliminate about 90% of the tariffs on imports between its signatories within 20 years of signing
Though India didn’t sign the RCEP, the ASEAN leaders had let the door was open for rejoining
ASEAN countries– China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — are part of the RCEP
The foreign minister also vouched for strong defence ties between India and Australia