The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional group that fosters economic, political, and security cooperation amongst its member states. It came into existence in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Today, the association comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. ASEAN’s chairmanship rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States. With a total population of 650 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion, ASEAN stands as India’s 4th largest trading partner with a trade volume of about USD 86.9 billion.
Key Highlights from the 24th ASEAN-India Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM)
The 24th ASEAN-India Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM), recently hosted in Delhi, marked the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. At this meeting, the strategic partnership between ASEAN and India was reviewed alongside its future direction. The leaders assessed progress in three pillars of Partnership – Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. They deliberated on steps to further implement the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025). The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery.
ASEAN-India Relations
The dialogue relations between ASEAN and India began with a sectoral partnership in 1992. It became a full dialogue partnership in 1995 and upgraded to a summit-level partnership in 2002. While traditionally the foundation of India-ASEAN ties has been trade and cultural exchanges, the two partners are looking to establish a rules-based security architecture in the region, in contrast to China’s aggressive policies.
Areas of ASEAN-India Cooperation
Economic Cooperation: ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner. Both entities have inked Free Trade Agreements (FTA) in goods in 2009 and in services and investments in 2014.
Political Cooperation: The ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) was established for policy research, advocacy, and networking activities with organisations and think-tanks in India and ASEAN.
Financial Assistance: India extends financial assistance to ASEAN nations through the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund, and ASEAN-India Green Fund.
Connectivity: India has multiple ongoing connectivity projects with ASEAN nations, aiming at enhancing its presence in the region.
Socio-Cultural Cooperation: Various programmes are in place to foster People-to-People Interaction with ASEAN.
Defence Cooperation: Joint naval and military exercises are conducted regularly between India and most ASEAN countries.
Significance of ASEAN for India
ASEAN plays a vital role in India’s economic and security strategy. Improved connectivity with ASEAN nations would allow India to enhance its presence in the region and act as a counter to China’s regional dominance. ASEAN occupies a central position in the Indo-Pacific’s rules-based security architecture, crucial for India since much of its trade relies on maritime security. Collaborations with ASEAN nations are thus essential for India to address issues like insurgency, terrorism, tax evasion etc.
The Way Forward
With China currently having thrice the number of commercial flights than India to Southeast Asia, enhancing air connectivity between India and ASEAN nations should be a priority. Developing military partnerships, expanding QUAD to include ASEAN countries, encouraging tourism between India and ASEAN nations through creative branding are among the potential steps to strengthen this strategic relationship.
