Authors :
S. Laksha; V. Shruthi; M. Akshadha; N. Mishitha; P. Deepalakshmi; Dr. D. P. Sivasakti Balan; R. J. Thayumanaswamy
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/ybmzpbk9
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/55jzs7ad
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1082
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is one of the largest free trade agreements in the world. It
aims to increase economic integration and cooperation in trade among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. India took part
in the RCEP discussions for many years but decided to withdraw from the agreement in 2019. Although many studies suggest
that India's decision was based on worries about trade deficits and competition from imported goods, this research looks at
a more comprehensive angle, focusing on supply chain sovereignty and the ability to have flexible economic strategies.
This study investigates the economic, political, and strategic reasons behind India's decision to leave RCEP.
Information was gathered from government documents, academic articles, reports from international organizations, trade
data, and a survey of over 50 individuals, including students, economics teachers, corporate workers, and business
professionals. A qualitative and analytical approach was used for the study. It also includes case studies on India-China
relations and India's reliance on oil and gold imports to show how dependence on external economies affects the country.
The findings indicate that India’s withdrawal was not just about protecting domestic businesses but part of a broader
strategy to support local industries and decrease reliance on external supply chains while keeping doors open for future
trade agreements. The current global climate, marked by uncertainty, supply chain issues, and shifting economic goals, has
led India to adopt a more selective approach to globalization. This strategy aims to balance global participation with
economic resilience and self-reliance. The study concludes that India’s choice not to join RCEP was primarily motivated by
a desire for strategic independence and long-term economic security.
Keywords :
Uncertainty, Supply Chain Issues, Shifting Economic Goals, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
References :
- ASEAN. (n.d.). Association of Southeast Asian Nations. https://asean.org/
- Drishti IAS. (n.d.). India exits RCEP. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep
- Drishti IAS. (n.d.). Reassessing India's stance on RCEP. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reassessing-india-s-stance-
- Gaur, S. (2020). India's withdrawal from RCEP: Economic nationalism and trade policy. [Details to be completed from original publication].
- Indian Express. (2019, November 4). India decides to stay out of RCEP agreement. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-decides-to-stay-out-of-rcep-agreement-6102
- Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). (n.d.). What India's withdrawal from RCEP means. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/media/commentaries/what-indias-withdrawal-from-rcep-means-
- Jain, A. (2021). India's withdrawal from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): A cost-benefit analysis. [Publication details to be completed from original source].
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. (n.d.). Ministry of Commerce and Industry. https://commerce.gov.in/
- Naufal, M. (2021). India's withdrawal from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357311774_India%27s_Withdrawal_from_Regional_Comprehensive_Economic_Partnership_RCEP
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Secretariat. (n.d.). Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). https://rcepsec.org/
- Satyakusuma, A. (2023). India's withdrawal from RCEP: A structuralist perspective. Indian Journal of Public Administration. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/00194662231159847
- Testbook. (n.d.). Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-rcep
- Wicaksono, A. (2021). India's withdrawal from RCEP negotiations: A neoclassical realist analysis. Journal of Global Strategic Studies. https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/JGS/article/view/46769
- World Bank. (n.d.). World Bank data and reports. https://www.worldbank.org/
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is one of the largest free trade agreements in the world. It
aims to increase economic integration and cooperation in trade among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. India took part
in the RCEP discussions for many years but decided to withdraw from the agreement in 2019. Although many studies suggest
that India's decision was based on worries about trade deficits and competition from imported goods, this research looks at
a more comprehensive angle, focusing on supply chain sovereignty and the ability to have flexible economic strategies.
This study investigates the economic, political, and strategic reasons behind India's decision to leave RCEP.
Information was gathered from government documents, academic articles, reports from international organizations, trade
data, and a survey of over 50 individuals, including students, economics teachers, corporate workers, and business
professionals. A qualitative and analytical approach was used for the study. It also includes case studies on India-China
relations and India's reliance on oil and gold imports to show how dependence on external economies affects the country.
The findings indicate that India’s withdrawal was not just about protecting domestic businesses but part of a broader
strategy to support local industries and decrease reliance on external supply chains while keeping doors open for future
trade agreements. The current global climate, marked by uncertainty, supply chain issues, and shifting economic goals, has
led India to adopt a more selective approach to globalization. This strategy aims to balance global participation with
economic resilience and self-reliance. The study concludes that India’s choice not to join RCEP was primarily motivated by
a desire for strategic independence and long-term economic security.
Keywords :
Uncertainty, Supply Chain Issues, Shifting Economic Goals, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
