Australia and 14 other ASEAN countries have pledged to establish the world's largest trade pact - the so-called RCEP - despite India deciding against joining the deal.

Australia already has trade agreements with all countries involved in the pact except India, so its participation is key to boost our growth prospects.

And late last night, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi insisting the deal will help grow economies and create jobs.

But it's not just India that has concerns civil society groups say there could be nasty provisions hidden in the deal.

Patricia Ranald is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, and Convenor of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network.

Guest: Patricia Ranald, research fellow, University of Sydney and Convenor of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network.

Producer: Max Chalmers