India’s virtual participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit marks a pause in the Indian PM’s active ASEAN diplomacy, raising concerns over momentum in India–ASEAN ties amid calls for deeper strategic and economic convergence.

India–ASEAN Engagement- Evolution and Vision

• Act East Policy: India’s engagement with ASEAN forms the cornerstone of its Act East Policy, promoting connectivity, maritime security, and cultural linkages.
• Shared Aspirations: PM Modi aligned ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with Viksit Bharat 2047, signalling a partnership rooted in developmental parity and regional stability.
• First Responder Role: India reaffirmed its commitment as a regional crisis responder, extending cooperation beyond humanitarian aid to economic and institutional resilience.

Current Diplomatic Dynamics

• Missed Symbolism: The Indian PM’s absence at the Summit, despite recent visits to Brunei, Singapore, and Laos, was seen as a missed opportunity to consolidate the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Malaysia.
• Maritime Focus: 2026 has been designated the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, reflecting India’s intent to deepen blue economy partnerships, disaster resilience, and maritime security.
• Future Engagements: A state visit to Malaysia and the Philippines ahead of the 49th Summit could restore diplomatic momentum and reaffirm India’s regional commitment.

Economic Dimension- Reviewing AITIGA

• Need for Review: The ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009, is under review to address India’s concerns over trade imbalance and non-tariff barriers.
• Policy Imperative: Both sides must move beyond rhetoric and weigh short-term inconveniences (e.g., tariff adjustments) against long-term economic integration and supply-chain resilience.
• Strategic Consistency: To truly be a “First Responder,” India’s role must extend to economic recovery, trade facilitation, and investment-led cooperation — not just disaster response.

Track 1.5 Diplomacy Insights

• The 1st India–ASEAN Strategic Dialogue revealed growing recognition of India’s indispensable role in ensuring regional balance.
• Both sides share democratic values and developmental goals but must institutionalise reciprocity to sustain progress in the partnership.

Way Forward

• Accelerate AITIGA Review: Ensure an outcome that enhances market access, reduces trade barriers, and strengthens regional value chains.
• Reinforce Strategic Presence: PM-level visits to Malaysia and the Philippines could restore symbolic depth to India’s ASEAN engagement.
• Deepen Maritime Cooperation: Implement the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation through joint patrols, port connectivity, and blue economy projects.
• Institutionalise Economic Partnerships: Promote digital infrastructure, green technologies, and resilient supply chains as key pillars of India–ASEAN collaboration.
• Build People-Centric Diplomacy: Encourage academic exchanges, cultural cooperation, and tourism to strengthen societal linkages.

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Conclusion

India–ASEAN ties are at a turning point. Converting potential into power demands symbolic diplomacy backed by economic depth. The AITIGA review and sustained high-level engagement will shape their Indo-Pacific partnership.

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