Amid the intensified war in the West Asian region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anticipation for discussions with global leaders to ensure peace and security for all as he arrived in Laos for a two-day visit aimed at participating in the India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and East Asia summits this week. His visit to Lao PDR comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, with Laos currently serving as the chair of the ASEAN, a significant forum for the nations from East and Southeast Asia. The ASEAN member states include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam. The East Asia Summit, which consists of the ten ASEAN nations along with eight partner countries namely Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the US are expected to serve as a platform to address the challenges facing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, as highlighted by the Indian Prime Minister.
Multilateral platforms provide a good environment to the leaders from different nations to meet and work on various bilateral as well as multilateral issues. These platforms also take up various global objectives like promoting global peace and security, sustainable development and climate change containment. India understands the significance of collaborative efforts to ensure regional and global security and hence it is also strengthening its ties with Association of East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ensure stability and neutrality of the Indo-Pacific region.
While addressing the ASEAN summit, Indian Prime Minister spoke about the significance of India-ASEAN relations, 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, and the 12 significant points that he proposed last year to ensure multi-dimensional progress of the member nations. He also emphasised on promoting connectivity and resilience, the featured objectives of ASEAN this year. The Indian Prime Minister also engaged in bilateral discussions with the ASEAN leaders during the summits. Also, a significant aspect of Modi’s visit is the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Act East Policy this year. Taking a cue from the Act East Policy, he also highlighted that the East Asia Summit would serve as a platform to address the challenges facing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s formal engagement with ASEAN commenced in 1992 when it was designated as a ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner,’ which involved interactions primarily at the secretary level. This relationship evolved over time, with India achieving the status of ‘Dialogue Partner’ in 1995, allowing for discussions at the level of Foreign Ministers. The partnership was further elevated to a Summit level in 2002, reflecting a deepening commitment to collaboration. The engagement is guided by three primary objectives: enhancing connectivity across various dimensions, fortifying the ASEAN organization, and expanding cooperation in maritime affairs.
The year 2022 was significant as it marked three decades of ASEAN-India relations, prompting a series of celebratory events. These included the special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, a visit from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly delegation to India, and various conferences and festivals focused on renewable energy, start-ups, and cultural exchanges. Notable initiatives such as the inauguration of the ASEAN-India Network of Universities and the ASEAN-India Music Festival were also part of the celebrations. These activities signify a renewed commitment to a strategic partnership built on trust and collaboration between India and ASEAN.
In addition to enhancing the foundational India-ASEAN framework, India actively engages in a variety of ASEAN-led initiatives, including the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting+ (ADMM+), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF). These platforms provide significant opportunities for collaboration between India and ASEAN, particularly with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. A notable example of this engagement is the announcement of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by the Indian Prime Minister during the 14th East Asian Summit in 2019, which seeks to promote partnerships aimed at establishing a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime environment. The IPOI is designed to foster a maritime area that is free from undue influence and emphasizes key pillars such as enhanced maritime security, sustainable management of marine resources, capacity building, and resource sharing. Additionally, it addresses disaster risk reduction and management, as well as promoting cooperation in science, technology, and academia. The initiative also prioritizes trade, connectivity, and maritime transport, thereby reinforcing India’s commitment to a collaborative and sustainable approach in the Indo-Pacific region.
Enhanced connectivity between India and ASEAN is instrumental in fostering a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, while also promoting a free and independent Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both ASEAN and India have the potential to strengthen their maritime collaboration, positioning themselves as reliable maritime partners within the area. Furthermore, improved connectivity across land, air, and sea among ASEAN nations and India can significantly facilitate tourism, trade, and investment, in addition to bolstering security measures.
Given the shared cultural heritage between India and ASEAN, prioritizing the enhancement of people-to-people connections should be a key objective in advancing their current partnership. In light of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, both ASEAN and India face numerous challenges and opportunities that can be harnessed for mutual growth and development. The prospects for unlocking and expanding their collaborative efforts are substantial, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous future.
The author is Professor, School of International Studies, JNU
