- Focus on deepening cultural and strategic ties between India and ASEAN, highlighted by Indonesia’s participation in India’s Republic Day.
- Emphasizes enhanced cooperation in maritime security and regional stability amid geopolitical challenges.
Historical Context
Early Engagement
- Cultural Links: Ancient trade routes and the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sanskrit influenced Southeast Asia.
- Colonial Era: Shared struggles against colonial rule; India supported Indonesia’s independence.
Post-Independence to Cold War
- Limited interaction due to India’s focus on domestic issues and Cold War non-alignment.
- ASEAN prioritized engagement with Western economies.
Economic and Strategic Engagement (1990s-2000s)
- Look East Policy: Launched post-economic liberalization to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.
- India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1992, progressing to a Full Dialogue Partner in 1996.
Strengthening Partnerships (2011-Present)
- Act East Policy (2014): Expanded focus on political, economic, and security ties.
- Upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2022.
Key Areas of Convergence
Maritime Security & Indo-Pacific Cooperation
- Shared concerns over China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
- Increased joint naval exercises and capacity-building initiatives.
Trade and Economic Integration
- ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner; trade has significantly increased.
- India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) review underway to address trade imbalances.
Connectivity & Infrastructure Development
- India committed $1 billion for connectivity and maritime projects in ASEAN.
- Key projects: India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project.
Defense and Counterterrorism
- Intensified defense cooperation through military training and joint exercises.
- Focus on counterterrorism due to radical extremism threats in Southeast Asia.
Energy Security & Green Transition
- Both parties promote renewable energy cooperation and reduce fossil fuel dependency.
- India’s International Solar Alliance aligns with ASEAN’s clean energy goals.
Space & Technology Collaboration
- India’s advancements in space tech and digital governance are key cooperation areas.
- ISRO supports ASEAN nations in satellite capabilities for disaster management.
Tourism & Cultural Diplomacy
- Shared cultural and religious linkages, including Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Visa liberalization and cultural exchanges can enhance engagement.
Geopolitical Cooperation
- Both regions aim for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, balancing US-China tensions.
- India supports ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on the Myanmar Crisis.
Key Areas of Friction
Trade Imbalance
- India faces a trade deficit of over $43 billion with ASEAN.
- Withdrawal from RCEP in 2019 due to concerns over Chinese goods flooding markets.
Slow Connectivity Project Progress
- Delays in key projects due to funding issues and political instability in Myanmar.
Limited Defense Cooperation
- ASEAN’s reluctance to counter China limits deeper defense engagement.
Differences in Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Divisions among ASEAN nations regarding endorsement of India’s strategic goals.
Myanmar Crisis
- Divergent approaches to Myanmar’s political crisis create friction between India and ASEAN.
Digital Trade Issues
- Regulatory mismatches in data localization and cybersecurity hinder fintech and e-commerce expansion.
Measures to Strengthen Relations
Fast-Track Connectivity Projects
- Accelerate completion of key infrastructure projects.
Strengthen the India-ASEAN FTA
- Revise FTA to address trade deficits and enhance market access.
Co-Develop Technologies
- Focus on joint development in emerging technologies like AI and semiconductors.
Expand Maritime Security Cooperation
- Deepen maritime security through joint exercises and intelligence sharing.
Foster Supply Chain Resilience
- Integrate ASEAN into India’s Production-Linked Incentive scheme.
Expand Renewable Energy Cooperation
- Lead initiatives in green energy projects and technology transfer.
Promote Cultural Exchanges
- Enhance educational collaborations and boost tourism through cultural diplomacy.
The way forward
India-ASEAN relations have evolved from historical ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite challenges, addressing connectivity and trade issues will be crucial for deeper collaboration.