India’s Exclusion from RCEP & its Impact on India’s Foreign trade with RCEP Nations

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a significant trade agreement comprising 15 Asia-Pacific nations, accounting for approximately 30% of global GDP and trade.However, India opted out of the RCEP agreement in 2019 over concerns about its potential impact on domestic industries, particularly the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.This research paper aims to explore the consequences of India's exclusion from RCEP and its effects on India's foreign trade relations with RCEP member countries.The paper will delve into the background of RCEP negotiations, India's decision-making process, and the factors influencing its stance on joining the trade pact.It will analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of RCEP membership for India, considering aspects such as market access, tariff reductions, investment flows, and competitiveness in regional trade.Furthermore, the research will examine the implications of India's absence from RCEP on trade dynamics, economic integration, and geopolitical relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.It will assess the impact on key industries, employment patterns, export-import trends, and supply chain networks involving RCEP nations.