Coming together of India and ASEAN

Reiteration of India’s commitment to work closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will not only provide a much-needed boost to foreign trade but also ensure overall development in the country’s Northeastern region. By affirming that “ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy,” the Prime Minister has struck the right chord, as it may increase trade volume between the two entities. Moreover, Modi has declared 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, which underlines his emphasis on two-way collaboration in the spheres of maritime security and the blue economy.

In fact, the Prime Minister’s virtual address at the India-ASEAN annual summit was grounded in reality rather than lofty ideas or distant dreams. To his credit, he appeared focused on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides. At a time when the world is passing through uncertainty, with peace shattered time and again by conflict, India and ASEAN together have the potential to restore peace and stability by easing the prevailing global anxiety. Modi made it clear in his address that his vision extends beyond trade—he is equally keen to strengthen people-to-people connections, as both sides share deep cultural and civilisational ties.

For the record, India-ASEAN dialogue relations began in 1992 with the establishment of a sectoral partnership. Although such a partnership was long overdue, given the historical closeness between the two sides, it is perplexing that the people—the ultimate beneficiaries—had to wait so long for the restoration of these ties. From the Indian side, credit goes to then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and his Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for recognising the potential of trade and commerce between India and ASEAN. Since then, relations have steadily advanced, graduating to a full dialogue partnership in 1995 and a summit-level partnership in 2002. A decade later, they became strategic partners.

Such a partnership is particularly relevant today as global trade faces disruption due to tariff wars launched by IS president Donald Trump and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Against this backdrop, India and ASEAN coming together is a welcome development, especially considering the region’s significance—it represents nearly one-fourth of the world’s population.

To turn this potential into reality, India’s Northeast must play a crucial role, as the region serves as the geographical gateway to ASEAN nations. With India’s eastern and western neighbourhoods facing instability, it is time to look east towards Southeast Asia. To realise the vision of an India-ASEAN century as envisaged by the Prime Minister, infrastructure and communication facilities in the Northeast must be developed with urgency.