The relationship between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy and a pivotal element in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific. Rooted in millennia of shared cultural, historical, and economic ties, this partnership has undergone a remarkable transformation from a sectoral dialogue relationship in 1992 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. This elevation signifies a profound deepening of engagement across a multitude of domains, reflecting the mutual recognition of each other’s strategic significance in fostering regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The present context sees this relationship as a critical pillar for a rules-based international order, resilient supply chains, and a multipolar Asian architecture.

India’s engagement with ASEAN is encapsulated in its “Act East Policy,” which evolved from the “Look East Policy” initiated in the early 1990s. While the “Look East Policy” primarily focused on enhancing economic integration with Southeast Asia following the Cold War and India’s economic liberalization, the “Act East Policy,” launched in 2014, imbued the relationship with a more proactive and comprehensive strategic dimension. This shift acknowledged the growing importance of the ASEAN region not just for trade and investment, but also for security cooperation, connectivity infrastructure, and robust people-to-people exchanges, making it central to India’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Evolution of the Relationship: From Look East to Act East

The genesis of India’s focused engagement with Southeast Asia can be traced back to the early 1990s with the promulgation of the “Look East Policy.” This policy was a pragmatic response to the changing geopolitical dynamics post-Cold War, particularly the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and India’s own economic liberalization initiatives. Recognizing the dynamic growth of East and Southeast Asian economies, India sought to integrate itself more closely with these vibrant markets. The initial phase of this policy primarily emphasized economic and commercial ties, leading to India becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1992, a Full Dialogue Partner in 1995, and a Summit-level Partner in 2002. This period saw the establishment of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) for goods in 2010, followed by agreements on services and investment in 2014, marking significant milestones in economic integration.

The “Look East Policy” matured into the “Act East Policy” in 2014, under the Narendra Modi government. This transformation signaled a more proactive, comprehensive, and strategic approach, moving beyond mere economic engagement to encompass security cooperation, strategic partnership, and deeper socio-cultural linkages. The “Act East Policy” broadened the geographical scope to include not just Southeast Asia but also East Asia and the Pacific, recognizing the interconnectedness of these regions. It emphasizes connectivity in all its dimensions – physical, digital, and people-to-people – and prioritizes enhancing India’s strategic footprint in the region, aligning with its vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This policy shift laid the groundwork for elevating the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, marking 30 years of dialogue partnership.

Strategic Imperatives and Geopolitical Significance

The strategic alignment between India and ASEAN is deeply rooted in shared interests concerning regional stability, economic growth, and the upholding of a rules-based international order. For India, ASEAN’s centrality is paramount in its Indo-Pacific vision. ASEAN, as a dynamic regional grouping of ten diverse nations, plays a crucial role as a bridge connecting South Asia, East Asia, and the broader Indo-Pacific. Its consensus-based approach and emphasis on multilateralism resonate with India’s foreign policy principles. The ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), provide vital platforms for dialogue and cooperation on security and strategic issues, allowing India to engage effectively with key regional and global players.

In the current geopolitical climate, characterized by intensifying great power competition and evolving regional security dynamics, the India-ASEAN partnership assumes even greater significance. Both India and ASEAN nations share concerns regarding maritime security in critical sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), particularly in the South China Sea. While India does not have direct claims, it advocates for freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS. The partnership acts as a crucial balancing force, fostering regional equilibrium and preventing any single power from dominating the Indo-Pacific. It underscores a commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture, providing a counter-narrative to unilateral actions and coercive diplomacy.

Institutional Framework and Diplomatic Engagements

The institutional architecture underpinning the India-ASEAN relationship is robust and multi-layered, facilitating regular and high-level engagements across various sectors. The most prominent mechanism is the annual India-ASEAN Summit, which brings together the leaders of India and all ten ASEAN member states to review progress and chart future directions for cooperation. These summits have been instrumental in elevating the relationship through various stages, culminating in the declaration of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2022.

Beyond the summit level, ministerial meetings provide critical operational impetus. These include the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AIFMM), the ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM-India), and the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting. These gatherings address specific areas of cooperation, review ongoing initiatives, and identify new avenues for collaboration. Furthermore, numerous senior officials’ meetings, working groups, and expert-level dialogues convene regularly, ensuring continuous coordination and implementation of agreed-upon programs. India also participates actively in broader ASEAN-led regional forums such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), which bring together ASEAN and its dialogue partners on strategic and security issues. These multifaceted engagements underscore the depth and breadth of the diplomatic ties, reflecting a mature and resilient partnership capable of addressing complex regional and global challenges.

Economic Cooperation and Trade Dynamics

Economic cooperation forms the bedrock of the India-ASEAN relationship, driven by the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), which came into force for goods in 2010 and expanded to include services and investment in 2014. This agreement has significantly boosted bilateral trade, which crossed the USD 100 billion mark in 2022, demonstrating strong growth potential despite global economic headwinds. India is ASEAN’s seventh-largest trading partner, while ASEAN collectively is India’s fourth-largest trading partner. Key traded goods include mineral fuels, electrical machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Investment flows have also seen an upward trajectory, with Indian companies investing in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing in ASEAN, and ASEAN countries investing in India’s infrastructure, services, and digital economy.

Connectivity is a critical component of economic integration. India has prioritized enhancing physical and digital connectivity with Southeast Asia to unlock the full potential of trade and investment. Key initiatives include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which aims to connect Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar, facilitating seamless movement of goods and people. The Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar is another ambitious initiative designed to create a multi-modal transport corridor connecting India’s eastern ports with Myanmar’s Sittwe port, and then via river and road to Mizoram, offering an alternative route to India’s landlocked northeastern states. Beyond physical infrastructure, there is increasing emphasis on digital connectivity, with efforts to establish digital payment linkages and enhance cybersecurity cooperation. Resilient supply chains and diversification are also high on the agenda, particularly in the post-pandemic era, with both sides keen to reduce reliance on single sources and build more robust regional value chains.

Security and Defence Cooperation

Security and defence cooperation between India and ASEAN member states has emerged as a crucial pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting shared interests in regional peace and stability. Maritime security is a paramount concern, given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. India and ASEAN nations regularly engage in joint naval exercises, information sharing, and coordinated patrols to enhance maritime domain awareness, combat piracy, and counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Collaboration on search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) is also a significant aspect, leveraging India’s capabilities as a first responder in the region.

Beyond maritime cooperation, the partnership extends to counter-terrorism, combating transnational organized crime, and cybersecurity. India actively participates in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) forum, which provides a platform for defence cooperation among ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners across various expert working groups, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, military medicine, and HADR. Bilateral defence exchanges, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives further strengthen the security architecture. India also offers training slots and defence equipment to several ASEAN countries, contributing to their defence modernization efforts. This multi-faceted security cooperation underscores a shared commitment to addressing non-traditional security threats and ensuring a stable and secure regional environment.

Socio-Cultural and People-to-People Connect

The deep historical and cultural linkages between India and Southeast Asia form a strong foundation for contemporary socio-cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Ancient trade routes, the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism, and shared epic narratives like the Ramayana have forged enduring bonds. In the present context, efforts are focused on reviving and strengthening these connections. Tourism is a significant driver, with simplified visa regimes and increased air connectivity facilitating greater movement of people. India has extended e-visa facilities to citizens of all ASEAN countries, promoting tourism and business travel.

Educational exchanges are actively encouraged, with India offering scholarships for ASEAN students, particularly under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. The revival of the Nalanda University project in Bihar, with support from several East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, stands as a symbol of shared intellectual heritage and a modern platform for academic collaboration. Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and youth exchange programs are regularly organized to foster mutual understanding and appreciation. The ASEAN-India Youth Summit and similar initiatives promote interaction among the younger generations, who will be the future custodians of this relationship. Furthermore, digital connectivity is being leveraged to enhance cultural understanding and facilitate virtual exchanges, bridging geographical distances and reinforcing the shared cultural space. These initiatives are crucial for building a more resilient partnership based on trust, understanding, and shared aspirations.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Present Context

Despite the significant advancements, the India-ASEAN relationship faces certain challenges in the present context. One persistent issue has been the relatively slow pace of implementation for some key connectivity projects, such as the Trilateral Highway, leading to delays in realizing their full economic potential. Trade imbalances, though narrowing, still exist in certain sectors, requiring greater market access and diversification of export baskets. India’s decision not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019, while based on domestic economic considerations, has been viewed by some as a missed opportunity for deeper economic integration with the broader Indo-Pacific supply chains, where many ASEAN nations are key players. Non-tariff barriers and differing regulatory frameworks also present hurdles to seamless trade and investment.

However, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. The growing economies of both India and ASEAN nations present vast potential for increased trade, investment, and technological collaboration. The push for diversification of global supply chains, accelerated by recent geopolitical events and the pandemic, positions ASEAN as a crucial partner for India in building resilient and alternative manufacturing hubs. Areas like digital economy, renewable energy, climate change cooperation, and public health collaboration offer immense scope for new partnerships. ASEAN’s youthful demographic and India’s burgeoning middle class provide a significant consumer base and talent pool. The shared interest in maintaining regional stability, ensuring freedom of navigation, and addressing transnational challenges like terrorism and climate change further strengthens the strategic alignment. Leveraging their collective demographic dividends and fostering innovation can unlock unprecedented growth and deepen the partnership significantly.

Future Trajectory and Vision

The future trajectory of the India-ASEAN relationship is poised for deeper integration and expanded cooperation, building on the foundation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality remains unwavering, recognizing the bloc’s pivotal role in shaping the regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific. The vision is to foster a relationship that is not only economically robust and strategically aligned but also deeply connected through cultural bonds and people-to-people ties.

Moving forward, the emphasis will be on enhancing economic integration by addressing existing trade barriers and exploring new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors like the digital economy, smart cities, and sustainable development. Connectivity projects, both physical and digital, will continue to be a priority to facilitate seamless movement of goods, services, and data. In the security domain, collaboration will deepen to address traditional and non-traditional threats, particularly in maritime security, cybersecurity, and disaster management, contributing to regional stability and a rules-based order. Furthermore, sustained efforts will be made to nurture socio-cultural linkages through increased tourism, educational exchanges, and cultural initiatives, ensuring a future where the partnership is driven by mutual trust, shared prosperity, and collective security. The India-ASEAN partnership is indispensable for realizing the vision of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, contributing significantly to global peace and stability.