India-ASEAN Relations Strengthen Amid Geopolitical Challenges

India’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown since 1995. The annual ASEAN summit and related meetings now serve as vital platforms for India to deepen ties with Southeast Asia. These interactions occur amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s strategic partnerships and multilateral forums show its role in regional stability and cooperation.

India’s ASEAN Partnership Evolution

India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995 and elevated this to a summit-level relationship by 2002. This progression reflects India’s effort to reconnect with Southeast Asia, a region with long-standing historical and cultural links. The annual summits provide opportunities to discuss political, economic, and security issues. ASEAN remains central to India’s Act East policy.

Significance of the East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit includes ASEAN countries and major powers such as the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India. It is a key forum for addressing Indo-Pacific challenges. The revival of the Quad alliance (Australia, Japan, U.S.) in 2017, during the ASEAN summit, puts stress on the strategic importance of this region. India uses this platform to engage with influential global players on maritime security and economic cooperation.

India’s Commitments and Initiatives

Recently, India announced 2026 as the year of ASEAN-India maritime cooperation. Focus areas include humanitarian aid, disaster response, maritime security, and the blue economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised ASEAN unity and the Indo-Pacific outlook. India and ASEAN also agreed to finalise the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), aiming to boost trade and economic integration.

Geopolitical Complexities and Challenges

The 2025 summit occurred during heightened global tensions. Issues included U.S. tariff policies, China’s export restrictions, and maritime disputes. India’s External Affairs Minister criticised selective application of principles by the U.S. and supply chain challenges linked to China. These complexities affect regional cooperation and economic stability.

Prime Minister Modi’s Absence and Its Implications

Prime Minister Modi missed the ASEAN summit for the second consecutive year. Official reasons cited domestic festivities, but speculation pointed to political and diplomatic factors. These included India’s election campaign and possible discomfort over Malaysia’s support for Pakistan. Modi’s absence was seen as a missed chance to demonstrate India’s leadership and commitment, especially when other global powers attended.

India’s Strategic Outlook in Southeast Asia

India views ASEAN as a critical partner for regional peace and prosperity. Strengthening ties through multilateral forums and bilateral cooperation aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Maritime security, economic ties, and disaster management remain key pillars. India continues to balance relations amid competing influences from the U.S. and China.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s Act East Policy, how ASEAN engagement influences India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Examine the role of multilateral forums like the East Asia Summit and the Quad in maintaining regional security and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific.
3. With suitable examples, analyse the impact of geopolitical tensions between major powers on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
4. Critically discuss the challenges and opportunities in India’s maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries in the context of the blue economy and disaster response.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss in the light of India’s Act East Policy, how ASEAN engagement influences India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

1. ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy as a gateway to Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.
2. Engagement strengthens India’s historical, cultural, and economic ties with Southeast Asia, enhancing regional connectivity.
3. ASEAN summits provide platforms for dialogue on political, security, and economic cooperation, aligning with India’s strategic goals.
4. Collaboration supports India’s aim to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
5. Maritime cooperation initiatives (e.g., 2026 ASEAN-India maritime cooperation year) enhance India’s naval presence and regional security role.
6. Trade agreements like AITIGA boost economic integration, reinforcing India’s position as a regional economic partner.

2. Examine the role of multilateral forums like the East Asia Summit and the Quad in maintaining regional security and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific.

1. The East Asia Summit brings together ASEAN and major powers (U.S., China, Japan, etc.) to address Indo-Pacific challenges collectively.
2. The Quad (Australia, Japan, U.S.) promotes a rules-based order, maritime security, and cooperation on strategic issues.
3. These forums facilitate dialogue on trade, security, and supply chain resilience amid geopolitical tensions.
4. They help balance China’s assertiveness by encouraging partnerships among like-minded democracies.
5. Multilateralism underpins regional stability by encouraging cooperation over conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
6. Economic discussions in these forums aim to sustain growth despite tariff wars and export restrictions.

3. With suitable examples, analyse the impact of geopolitical tensions between major powers on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

1. U.S. tariff policies and selective sanctions (e.g., on Russia) create economic uncertainties affecting regional trade.
2. China’s export restrictions and supply chain disruptions challenge ASEAN’s market access and economic stability.
3. Maritime disputes in the South China Sea heighten security concerns among ASEAN and external powers.
4. India’s criticism of U.S. and China reflects the complexity of balancing relations amid competing interests.
5. Examples – Quad revival as a response to China’s assertiveness; Malaysia’s diplomatic support to Pakistan causing bilateral strains with India.
6. Such tensions can delay agreements (e.g., AITIGA review) and complicate multilateral cooperation.

4. Critically discuss the challenges and opportunities in India’s maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries in the context of the blue economy and disaster response.

1. Opportunities include joint humanitarian assistance, disaster response exercises, and maritime security collaborations.
2. The blue economy focus offers potential for sustainable fisheries, marine resource management, and economic growth.
3. Challenges involve differing national priorities, maritime boundary disputes, and varying capacities among ASEAN states.
4. Geopolitical tensions, especially involving China’s maritime claims, complicate cooperative frameworks.
5. India’s 2026 maritime cooperation year signals commitment but requires sustained political will and resource allocation.
6. Effective cooperation can enhance regional stability, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in the Indo-Pacific.