Ministers from 15 Asia-Pacific countries negotiating a sprawling free trade agreement said Thursday they have made "significant progress" toward the signing of the deal in November, while whether India will stay on as a member of the framework remains uncertain.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership "remains open for India given that not only had it participated in the RCEP negotiations since they were launched in 2012 but also in recognition of the potential of India to contribute to the region's prosperity," said a joint statement.

The ministers released the document after a videoconference held in the absence of India. They welcomed "the significant progress" made toward finalizing the deal for signing at the summit of RCEP leaders in November 2020, the statement said.