The Relation of India With ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional intergovernmental organisation including ten Southeast Asian countries. ASEAN was formed in 1995 by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos as a display of solidarity against communist expansionism. The relationship of India with ASEAN is very important. Asia-Pacific has become a hotspot for economic growth, political instability and social tensions. The region continues to be confronted with multiple challenges arising from the rise of new powers, growing strategic competition, the threats posed by non-traditional security challenges such as a pandemic, cyber warfare, climate change and natural disasters; tensions over sovereignty and resource exploration in the South China Sea; and the lack of inclusive development. 

The Relation of India With ASEAN

Although the relation of India with ASEAN has evolved. There has been some conflict due to strategic and political mistrust but the general trend has been positive. The first phase of the relationship was marked by distrust and suspicion. The India-ASEAN relations aim to facilitate economic, cultural, and social development and maintain peace and security among the nations.

India was one of the founding members of the ASEAN-India Centre for Cooperation (AICC), established in 1995 under an agreement signed between India and ASEAN. The centre serves as a forum for consultation and cooperation between member countries on security and defence, education, health and tourism. 

In 1995, India became a dialogue partner with ASEAN. India had good bilateral relations with the Soviet Union and was a spearhead of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which made it difficult for India to engage with ASEAN. The second phase was marked by the growing strategic rivalry between India and China. In this period, India was suspicious of Chinese intentions and felt that ASEAN treated it as a “responsible great power” in the region. The third phase was marked by the end of the cold war and the end of the Soviet Union. This brought about a change in India’s outlook, and it began to treat ASEAN as an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Significance of ASEAN for India

Cooperation in Defence and Security

India and ASEAN have a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region. They have signed a Joint Declaration on Defense Cooperation, which can guide the future strategic partnership. India has been a useful partner to ASEAN in this field. It has been helping ASEAN countries build their defence capabilities. ASEAN-India cooperation in this field can be enhanced through regular exchanges between military officials and academics. 

India and ASEAN conduct many joint military exercises. Cooperation in counter-terrorism can be initiated by exchanging information between intelligence agencies and joint investigations. Growing Chinese aggression and assertion in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean is a cause for concern. It has made ASEAN reach out for India’s partnership to counter China in this region. India and ASEAN are important partners in maintaining maritime security. 

Cooperation in Countering Climate Change

ASEAN and India are also important players in the global effort to counter the challenge of climate change. ASEAN and India cooperate on the issue of marine pollution and conduct EEO (Environmental Emergency Operations), where both sides can share expertise. They can set up a joint research and development centre. Finally, the two sides can cooperate on renewable energy and solar and wind power development. It can help reduce carbon emissions and their dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

This article discusses the current state of India-ASEAN relations, from conflict to cooperation. While there is a lot of potential in the relationship, both sides must work towards strengthening it. Creating a strong bond between ASEAN and India will require taking steps toward the mutual trust and confidence missing in the relationship. Ultimately, both sides must work towards creating a stable partnership. ASEAN countries are a huge and relatively untapped market for India.