During the visit of H.E. Dr Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Trade, Indonesia to India from 7-9 August 2005, a bilateral meeting between Commerce & Industry Minister and Minister of Trade, Indonesia was held in New Delhi on 8^th August 2005. During the meeting it was agreed that even while focussing on strengthening India’s ongoing engagement with ASEAN, the two countries could also examine the possibility of entering into a bilateral comprehensive economic cooperation arrangement in the long term.

During the visit of the Indonesian President to India on 23.11.2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on setting up of a Joint Study Group (JSG) on CECA comprising of senior government officials of the two sides, has been signed. A JSG was accordingly constituted in October 2007 and 4 meetings of the JSG have been held so far. The JSG is expected to submit its Report by August 2009.