Context:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the ASEAN–India Summit 2025 virtually, reaffirmed the strength of the ASEAN–India partnership as a pillar of regional stability and global development amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
• The Summit reiterated mutual commitment to maritime security, economic growth, and people-to-people connectivity under the guiding vision of “Act East” and “ASEAN Centrality.”
Key Highlights:
- Strategic and Political Engagement
- PM Modi declared the 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN, highlighting the partnership’s complementarity and shared global responsibilities.
- Both sides reaffirmed the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific framework and emphasized unity against terrorism and regional instability.
- ASEAN–India partnership, encompassing nearly one-fourth of the global population, is evolving into a robust foundation for regional peace, security, and prosperity.
- Major Announcements and Initiatives
- 2026 declared the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation”, underscoring the importance of blue economy, ocean sustainability, and maritime connectivity.
- India proposed:
- Second ASEAN–India Defence Ministers’ Meeting
- ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME)
- Establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University.
- Continued Indian participation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and renewable energy cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid.
- Economic and Developmental Cooperation
- ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner, while India is 6th for ASEAN, reflecting deep economic integration.
- Both sides agreed to review the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to enhance supply-chain resilience, address tariff barriers, and unlock trade potential.
- PM Modi emphasized Inclusivity and Sustainability as the guiding themes for future collaboration, aligning ASEAN’s Vision 2045 with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Maritime and Security Dimensions
- Commitment to freedom of navigation, maritime domain awareness, and peaceful resolution of disputes aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Cooperation on counter-piracy, illegal fishing, and marine ecosystem preservation forms part of the ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030).
- Sectoral and Cultural Linkages
- Enhanced collaboration in green technologies, fintech innovation, education, critical minerals, and renewable energy.
- 2026 also designated as “ASEAN–India Year of Tourism”, to deepen cultural and academic exchanges.
- Both sides stressed expanding scholarship programs, digital learning networks, and heritage conservation partnerships.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations; established 1967; HQ – Jakarta, Indonesia; 10 members + Timor-Leste (observer/new member).
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Launched by India in 2019 to promote maritime governance and regional cooperation.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Strategic Importance:
- Enhances India’s Act East Policy and reinforces ASEAN’s central role in regional architecture.
- Promotes multipolarity and collective security amidst great-power rivalries in the Indo-Pacific.
- Economic and Trade Significance:
- Strengthens regional value chains through AITIGA modernization.
- Promotes sustainable supply chains and trade diversification amid global disruptions.
- Cultural & People-to-People Diplomacy:
- Deepens ties through education, tourism, and civilizational linkages rooted in Buddhism and shared heritage.
- Way Forward:
- Operationalize proposed Defence and Maritime mechanisms.
- Align ASEAN’s Vision 2045 with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 to pursue joint developmental projects.
- Build resilience in critical minerals and green technology cooperation for sustainable growth.