Why in News ?
- PM Narendra Modi addressed the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit (October 2025, Kuala Lumpur) virtually.
- Highlighted that the India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership remains resilient amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
- Announced plans to enhance maritime security cooperation in 2026.
- Timor-Leste was formally welcomed as ASEAN’s newest member.
Relevance
- GS-2(International Relations) : India’s Act East Policy, Bilateral & Regional Groupings, Indo-Pacific Cooperation.
India–ASEAN Partnership
- Initiated: 1992 (Sectoral Dialogue Partner) → Full Dialogue Partner (1996) → Strategic Partnership (2012) → Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022).
- Institutional Mechanisms:
- Annual ASEAN–India Summit (since 2002).
- East Asia Summit (EAS), ADMM+ (Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus), ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum).
- ASEAN Members (11 including new entrant Timor-Leste):
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste (2025).
Highlights of PM Modi’s Remarks
- “Even in this era of uncertainties” (referring to wars, supply chain disruptions, and global power shifts), India–ASEAN partnership remains strong.
- Called ASEAN a “cultural partner”, emphasizing shared civilizational heritage — Buddhism, maritime trade, Nalanda links.
- Stated: “The 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN.”
- Proposed enhanced cooperation in maritime security, especially in:
- Freedom of Navigation and maritime domain awareness (MDA).
- Joint patrols, disaster response, and anti-piracy measures.
- Reaffirmed support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, aligned with ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Strategic & Economic Context
- India–ASEAN Trade (2024): Over USD 130 billion, with target to reach USD 200 billion by 2030.
- Investment: ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner; India is ASEAN’s 6th largest.
- Key Sectors: Electronics, digital economy, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, supply chains.
- Maritime Security Significance:
- ~90% of India’s trade by volume passes through the Indo-Pacific sea lanes.
- ASEAN’s centrality crucial for maintaining balance amid China’s assertiveness in South China Sea.
Why the 2025 Summit Matters ?
- Geopolitical backdrop:
- Ukraine war and Israel conflict disrupting global energy and food security.
- China’s Belt and Road expansion and militarization in the South China Sea.
- India’s “Act East Policy” and Indo-Pacific vision gaining traction among ASEAN partners.
- Maritime cooperation push reflects:
- India’s strategic intent to counterbalance China.
- Strengthening of supply-chain resilience and digital connectivity through ASEAN.
- Inclusion of Timor-Leste expands ASEAN’s footprint, bridging Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Institutional Cooperation Frameworks
- Plan of Action (2021–2025): To implement the ASEAN–India Partnership Vision.
- Next Plan (2026–2030): Expected to integrate maritime, digital, and climate dimensions.
- ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME 2023): First joint naval drill in South China Sea.
- Connectivity Initiatives:
- India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project.
- ASEAN–India Air Transport Agreement (under negotiation).
Cultural & People-to-People Ties
- Shared Heritage: Ancient trade and cultural links — from Chola–Srivijaya maritime ties to spread of Buddhism.
- Scholarship & Education: Over 1,000 ASEAN students study in India under ASEAN–India Fellowship Programme.
- Tourism & Connectivity: Promotion of Buddhist circuit, direct air links, and digital visas.
Challenges
- Trade Imbalance: ASEAN’s exports to India outweigh imports.
- Slow Project Execution: Connectivity projects (like IMT Highway) face delays.
- China’s Influence: ASEAN’s economic dependence on China limits strategic alignment with India.
- Political Instability: Military coup in Myanmar complicates connectivity routes.
Global Comparisons
- Japan–ASEAN (2023): “Golden Friendship” initiative for green and digital partnerships.
- US–ASEAN (2024): Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focusing on AI, semiconductors.
- India–ASEAN (2025): Prioritising maritime security, youth exchanges, and resilient supply chains, balancing economic and strategic goals.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Indo-Pacific Partnerships: Align ASEAN’s AOIP with India’s IPOI for regional synergy.
- Focus on Blue Economy: Marine resource sustainability, ocean energy, and fisheries.
- Accelerate Connectivity: Fast-track IMT Highway & Kaladan projects for trade integration.
- Digital and Green Corridors: Promote EV supply chains, renewable energy linkages.
- Institutional Deepening: Launch ASEAN–India 2.0 framework (2026–2030) with measurable goals.
