Areas of Cooperation
- Political Cooperation
- India’s engagement with ASEAN began in 1992 when it became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
- This was followed by its elevation to a Full Dialogue Partner in 1996 and a Summit-level Partner in 2002.
- The relationship was further strengthened with the adoption of the “Look East Policy” which was later rebranded as the “Act East Policy” in 2014 to emphasize a more proactive approach.
- Security Cooperation
- Both India and ASEAN recognize the Indo-Pacific as a strategic region vital for global trade and economic growth.
- India conducts regular maritime exercises with ASEAN nations to enhance naval interoperability that include bilateral and multilateral exercises like the SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) and MILAN.
- India and ASEAN have institutionalized their defense cooperation through the annual ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). These platforms allow both sides to discuss regional security issues and strengthen military ties.
- India provides defense training to ASEAN countries through initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program.
- India has been increasing its defense exports to ASEAN nations, focusing on defense equipment, technology transfers, and indigenous development of defense systems, which helps ASEAN countries strengthen their defense capabilities.
- India and ASEAN are enhancing their cooperation in cyber security to counter cyber threats, hacking, and cyber-terrorism.
- Economic Relations
- Economic cooperation is a cornerstone of the ASEAN-India relationship. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), which came into effect in 2010, has significantly boosted trade and investment flows between the two regions. In 2022, the trade volume between ASEAN and India reached approximately $110 billion.
- Both are involved in projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Project.
- Socio-Cultural Ties
- Socio-cultural exchanges form an integral part of the ASEAN-India relationship. Initiatives such as the ASEAN-India Youth Summit, ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp, and various scholarship programs for ASEAN students in Indian universities foster people-to-people connections.
- Buddhism and Hinduism along with the influence of the wide Tamilian diaspora enhance cultural ties.
- Example: The Nalanda University in India offers scholarships to ASEAN students, promoting educational and cultural exchanges.
Significance of India – ASEAN Relations
- Counter China in Indo-Pacific region.
- Support for permanent membership in UNSC.
- Exploring new market opportunities of Indian goods.
- Enhance people – people contact.
Challenges
- India is not part of the RECEP agreement which hinders trade cooperation.
- China is growing its influence by investing in this region.
- The Cambodia-like countries that are part of ASEAN are gradually becoming hubs for cyber attacks on India and also act as bonded Indian labour hubs.
- ASEAN countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Lao (Golden Triangle) have become hubs for supplying opium to the Indian region.
- Political instability in countries like Myanmar affects India’s northeast region’s security due to the influx of Rohingya refugees.