The Strategic Imperative: Placing ASEAN at the Core of India’s Act East Policy
By – Dr Vineeth Thomas
Head, Department of Political Science
SRM University -AP (Amaravati)
India’s evolving foreign policy reflects a decisive shift from the Nehruvian vision of non-alignment to a pragmatic engagement with regional groupings that advance its economic and strategic goals. The transformation of the global order, marked by the decline of bipolarity and the rise of multilateralism, has redefined India’s diplomatic priorities. Within this context, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emerges as the anchor of India’s Act East Policy—an indispensable partner in shaping a secure, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
India’s linkages with Southeast Asia are civilisational and deep, stretching back to pre-Christian trade routes and the transmission of Buddhism and Hinduism across the Bay of Bengal. Yet, modern institutional engagement began only in 1992 with a sectoral partnership that evolved into a strategic partnership by 2012. ASEAN’s centrality became a stated cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy launched in 2014, signalling a transition from “Look East” to active participation in the political, economic and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific. The Act East Policy has strengthened India-ASEAN economic integration through trade liberalisation, investment flows and connectivity projects. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement and mechanisms such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project are tangible symbols of this cooperation. Bilateral trade has expanded steadily, people-to-people exchanges have multiplied, and cultural diplomacy—from festivals to scholarships—has deepened mutual familiarity. At the strategic level, joint maritime exercises, defence dialogues and counter-terrorism cooperation have consolidated India’s position as a responsible regional stakeholder. These interactions also serve as a counterweight to China’s assertiveness, reinforcing freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order.
Nevertheless, the policy’s outcomes remain uneven. Structural deficiencies continue to obstruct its full potential. Weak overland and maritime connectivity, particularly across India’s northeast and Myanmar, limits economic corridors. Inconsistent air links, complex customs procedures, and fragmented institutional mechanisms further constrain efficiency. The absence of sector-specific institutions to coordinate infrastructure, trade facilitation, or cultural exchange weakens continuity. Political volatility in Myanmar and domestic constraints within India have delayed crucial projects. Moreover, bureaucratic inertia and limited private-sector capacity restrict India’s ability to match ASEAN’s fast-paced regional integration through initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Learning from international best practices can help recalibrate India’s approach. Singapore’s success in becoming an investment hub demonstrates how predictable regulation and logistics can attract regional business networks. Thailand’s “Look West” diplomacy underscores the importance of cultural connectivity and tourism in strengthening people-to-people bonds. Japan’s consistent Indo-Pacific strategy shows the value of sustained engagement beyond political cycles. Even China’s Belt and Road Initiative, despite its controversies, offers insights into scaling up physical and digital connectivity. India can adapt these lessons by institutionalising long-term partnerships, ensuring project continuity and aligning its regional goals with ASEAN’s developmental priorities. ASEAN’s importance to India extends beyond economics. Strategically located at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ASEAN acts as a maritime bridge between South and East Asia. Collaboration enhances India’s access to regional markets and supply chains while amplifying its voice in multilateral forums such as the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum. Both sides share stakes in mitigating common threats—from maritime insecurity to climate change—while maintaining strategic autonomy amidst major-power rivalry. As regional instability grows due to the Russia-Ukraine war and lingering effects of the pandemic, coordinated resilience through ASEAN becomes essential for India’s growth and security. Mutual benefits are evident. For India, ASEAN offers a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific economy, opportunities for energy cooperation, and diversification of manufacturing networks. For ASEAN, India provides a vast consumer market, technological expertise and a normative commitment to democracy and pluralism. Collaboration in renewable energy, digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure can generate inclusive growth. Cultural affinity further enriches this partnership—shared histories of faith, language and trade foster a natural synergy rarely found elsewhere.
The path forward demands placing ASEAN not at the periphery but at the core of India’s Indo-Pacific vision. This requires accelerated completion of connectivity projects, streamlined trade procedures, and institutionalised dialogue across sectors. India must complement strategic rhetoric with credible resource allocation and policy coherence. Strengthening the economic base of its northeastern region, ensuring political stability in border states, and fostering public-private partnerships are necessary domestic enablers. Equally, India must project itself as a consistent and reliable partner committed to ASEAN’s unity and centrality, rather than as a reactive counterbalance to China.
