♤ The economies of countries involved in RCEP negotiations account for about half of the world's population, and about 30% of the global GDP.

♤ After the USA pulled out of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) under President Trump, the RCEP is the most significant integration platform for the whole of the Asia-Pacific, including most of the countries that were involved in the TPP.

♤ Why should India Join RCEP:

♤ India should join it because it will mean

o Access to the Asia Pacific region which will be important for its future economic and strategic status in the region.