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Introduction

At the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (2025), India reinforced its Act East Policy as a strategy of strategic and economic convergence, with PM Modi emphasising regional connectivity and maritime security aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

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How the Shift in India’s Approach to ASEAN Reflects its Pursuit of Connectivity

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships: India has moved from limited engagement to institutional partnerships that enhance infrastructure, digital, and trade connectivity.
  Eg: India and Malaysia upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, expanding cooperation across logistics and technology sectors.
• Economic Integration through Trade Reforms:India’s push to review the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) aims to deepen supply chain integration and cut trade barriers.
• Physical and Multimodal Connectivity: India’s engagement now prioritises multimodal transport corridors linking South and Southeast Asia for seamless regional mobility.
  Eg: Discussions around India ASEAN connectivity complement earlier initiatives like the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Institutional Dialogue and Track 1.5 Engagement: India’s inclusion of think tanks, academia, and industry in ASEAN dialogue forums reflects an expanded, multi-stakeholder approach.
  Eg: The 1st India–ASEAN Strategic Dialogue before the summit brought Track 1.5 participation to align policies on connectivity and trade.
• Shared Development Vision: India’s linkage of Viksit Bharat 2047 with ASEAN Vision 2045 highlights a coordinated path toward inclusive, sustainable regional growth.

How the Shift in India’s Approach to ASEAN Reflects its Pursuit of Maritime Security

• Maritime Cooperation as a Central Pillar: India has placed maritime security at the heart of ASEAN engagement to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
  Eg: 2025 was declared the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, underscoring a dedicated regional security focus.
• First Responder Role in Regional Crises: India’s proactive humanitarian and disaster relief efforts have reinforced its image as a dependable maritime partner.
  Eg: PM Modi reiterated India’s role as a First Responder during crises in Southeast Asia, showcasing its readiness for collective maritime action.
• Alignment with ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Outlook: India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative complements ASEAN’s regional security vision through joint naval and capacity-building efforts.
  Eg: India’s emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability mirrors ASEAN’s 2025 Chairmanship theme, aligning security and stability objectives.
• Strategic Engagement with Key ASEAN States: India’s expanding defence partnerships with littoral ASEAN nations strengthen collective maritime vigilance.
  Eg: Future state visits to Malaysia and the Philippines are seen as steps toward cementing maritime cooperation and regional deterrence.
• Focus on Blue Economy and Sustainability: Maritime engagement now integrates environmental protection and sustainable ocean resource management.
  Eg: India’s policy emphasis on sustainability supports ASEAN’s maritime ecological agenda under its 2025 theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

Conclusion

India’s evolving ASEAN engagement marks a shift from symbolism to practical cooperation, integrating connectivity and maritime security to build a resilient Indo-Pacific based on shared prosperity and stability.

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