India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and Maritime Cooperation

The 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur marked moment for India-ASEAN relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address outlined a comprehensive vision for deeper integration between India and ASEAN. His focus was on strategic, cultural, and developmental cooperation aimed at shaping the Asian century. Modi emphasised ASEAN as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and announced 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

India and ASEAN – Strategic Context

India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population. Their relationship is rooted in shared history and values. ASEAN serves as a strategic bridge for India to East Asia. The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, aims to turn symbolic outreach into action. It focuses on connectivity, commerce, and culture. ASEAN nations lie on vital sea lanes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This makes them crucial partners in maritime security and trade.

Maritime Cooperation Initiatives

The declaration of 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation signals a new phase. It emphasises ocean-based collaboration in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security, and the blue economy. This cooperation aims to enhance regional stability and economic growth. Joint maritime exercises and blue economy projects are expected to increase. India’s role as an integral partner in ASEAN’s maritime domain will expand.

Areas of Broader Cooperation

Beyond maritime matters, Modi brought into light collaboration in education, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. These sectors are vital for sustainable development and innovation. People-to-people ties and shared cultural heritage were stressed as foundations for enduring partnerships. This multi-sectoral approach aims to build resilience and inclusivity in the region.

Vision for Regional Prosperity

Modi linked ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045 with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047. This reflects a parallel journey towards prosperity, sustainability, and technological advancement. India positions itself as a stable and values-based partner respecting ASEAN’s autonomy. The engagement is cooperative, not competitive, acknowledging the complex geopolitical balance in Southeast Asia between the US and China.

Challenges and Implementation

The success of this vision depends on translating announcements into action. Implementation will require sustained investment and meaningful collaboration. Key areas include joint maritime exercises, blue economy initiatives, academic partnerships, and digital cooperation. If effectively executed, the Act East Policy can become a defining pillar of India’s regional identity and influence.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the strategic importance of the Act East Policy in India’s foreign relations with Southeast Asia in the light of regional maritime security challenges.
2. Critically examine the role of maritime cooperation in enhancing India-ASEAN economic and security partnerships. How does it contribute to regional stability?
3. Explain the significance of people-to-people ties and cultural heritage in strengthening international relations. With suitable examples, discuss their impact on India’s diplomatic engagements.
4. Comment on the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia involving the United States, China, and India. How can India maintain a values-based and cooperative approach amid this competition?

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the strategic importance of the Act East Policy in India’s foreign relations with Southeast Asia in the light of regional maritime security challenges.

1. Act East Policy (launched 2014) transforms symbolic Look East into action-oriented connectivity, commerce, and culture framework.
2. ASEAN is central due to its geographic position on vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans.
3. Maritime security challenges include piracy, territorial disputes, and freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific.
4. Policy aims to strengthen strategic ties, ensuring secure trade routes and regional stability.
5. India uses ASEAN as a strategic bridge to East Asia, enhancing cooperation in maritime domain.
6. Policy supports multilateralism and respects ASEAN autonomy amid great power rivalry in the region.

2. Critically examine the role of maritime cooperation in enhancing India-ASEAN economic and security partnerships. How does it contribute to regional stability?

1. 2026 declared ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, emphasizing joint efforts in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and maritime security.
2. Maritime cooperation strengthens blue economy initiatives, boosting economic growth and sustainable resource use.
3. Joint naval exercises enhance interoperability and build trust between India and ASEAN navies.
4. Securing sea lanes ensures uninterrupted trade flows vital to regional economies.
5. Collaboration counters non-traditional threats like piracy and trafficking, enhancing security.
6. Maritime partnership projects encourage mutual dependence, reducing chances of conflict and promoting stability.

3. Explain the significance of people-to-people ties and cultural heritage in strengthening international relations. With suitable examples, discuss their impact on India’s diplomatic engagements.

1. Shared history and cultural values between India and ASEAN build trust and goodwill beyond formal diplomacy.
2. People-to-people exchanges in education, tourism, and cultural programs encourage mutual understanding.
3. Examples – Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia, Buddhist cultural links, and language exchanges.
4. Cultural diplomacy complements strategic ties, creating deeper, long-term partnerships.
5. Such ties help smooth political differences and support cooperation during crises.
6. Strengthened social bonds underpin sustainable economic and security collaborations.

4. Comment on the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia involving the United States, China, and India. How can India maintain a values-based and cooperative approach amid this competition?

1. Southeast Asia is a strategic arena, balancing US-China rivalry for influence and control over trade routes.
2. China’s Belt and Road Initiative and military assertiveness contrast with US security alliances and freedom of navigation operations.
3. India positions itself as a credible, stable partner respecting ASEAN autonomy, avoiding zero-sum competition.
4. India’s Act East Policy emphasizes cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainability aligned with ASEAN principles.
5. India leverages multilateral forums (e.g., ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit) to build consensus.
6. Focus on shared values, maritime security, and development cooperation helps India maintain constructive engagement.