- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the summit, appreciated ASEAN’s efforts and stated that in an era of uncertainty, India and ASEAN continue to strengthen their partnership.
- Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of India–ASEAN maritime collaboration and also welcomed the inclusion of East Timor as the bloc’s newest member state.
- India has strengthened its partnerships with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. These nations have suffered the most from Chinese assertiveness, and India has extended strategic and defence support to them.
The 47th ASEAN Summit was hosted in Malaysia under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. It was an important summit that received significant international attention, attended by global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not attend in person, he participated virtually.
This summit came at a crucial time when Southeast Asian nations have been facing political unrest, economic instability, and various ongoing scandals, a situation uncommon in the region. It also provided an opportunity for ASEAN nations to engage with President Trump, especially since recent U.S. tariff measures affecting global trade have impacted Southeast Asian economies. His in-person participation provided a crucial opportunity for direct and substantive dialogue among leaders.
The relationship between ASEAN and India goes beyond political ties; it is deeply rooted in history and culture. Southeast Asian nations are central to India’s Act East Policy and form a vital part of India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision. Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the summit, appreciated ASEAN’s efforts and stated that in an era of uncertainty, India and ASEAN continue to strengthen their partnership. He also welcomed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and emphasised cooperation for regional peace, prosperity, and growth.
India and ASEAN relations are strategic in nature, encompassing economic, defence, and maritime cooperation. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of India–ASEAN maritime collaboration and also welcomed the inclusion of East Timor as the bloc’s newest member state.
The India-ASEAN relationship is not just defined by geography but also by cultural and historical ties. Both regions share many commonalities: they are emerging economies, young democracies, and possess large markets with vast potential for mutual growth. Geopolitically, both maintain a similar outlook on global developments, often favouring neutrality and balanced engagement rather than alignment with any particular bloc.
For India, its engagement with ASEAN holds great importance, as the two regions are in proximate geography and share strategic interests. Any major development in Southeast Asia has a direct impact on India’s strategic and economic interests. Hence, maintaining strong relations is not only beneficial but also essential for India’s security and regional stability.
India is also working to enhance multimodal connectivity with Southeast Asia to improve accessibility to regional markets. A key aspect connecting India and ASEAN remains their shared concern regarding China’s assertiveness. China’s growing influence and territorial claims in the South China Sea have affected several Southeast Asian nations. Similarly, India has faced Chinese incursions and violations of international norms.
Recognising these shared challenges, India has strengthened its partnerships with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. These nations have suffered the most from Chinese assertiveness, and India has extended strategic and defence support to them. India has provided lines of credit for defence projects to Vietnam and also supplied the BrahMos cruise missile system to the Philippines. These initiatives reflect India’s strategic and calibrated approach in deepening its engagement with Southeast Asia.
At a time when many global powers, including the United States, are showing heightened interest in the region, it remains vital for India to continue nurturing its independent and mutually beneficial partnerships with ASEAN nations.
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Hridbina Chatterjee 
Anshu Mishra 
Prof. Dr. Bharat H. Desai