Source: The post “Significance of ASEAN for India” has been created, based on “Missed opportunity: On India and ASEAN summit in Malaysia” published in “The Hindu” on 29 October 2025. Significance of ASEAN for India.
UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper -2-Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests
Context: India has been a dialogue partner of ASEAN since 1995 and a Summit-level participant since 2002, which makes these meetings a crucial diplomatic platform for India in the Indo-Pacific region. The recent ASEAN Summit in Malaysia should have been an important opportunity for India to strengthen its regional engagement.
Significance of ASEAN for India
- ASEAN plays a central role in India’s Act East Policy and its wider Indo-Pacific strategy.
- The ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN–India Summit, and the East Asia Summit allow India to interact with major powers including U.S.A, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, and South Korea.
- Cooperation with ASEAN supports India’s priorities in maritime security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, supply chain resilience, and the blue economy.
- The summit setting provides momentum for advancing trade reforms such as the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
India’s Position at the 2025 Summit
- India was represented by the External Affairs Minister at a time of global economic volatility, strategic competition, and maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
- India highlighted concerns over tariff barriers, reliable access to critical exports, and supply-chain security.
- India and ASEAN reaffirmed their commitment to finalise AITIGA reforms, which are essential for balanced and sustainable trade relations.
Challenges in India–ASEAN Engagement
- India continues to face strong strategic and economic competition from China in the ASEAN region.
- Trade imbalances and delays in connectivity projects have limited the full potential of economic cooperation.
- Diplomatic sensitivities, including past tensions with Malaysia over Pakistan, have occasionally strained relations.
- The absence of India’s top leadership at key ASEAN engagements contributes to a perception of inconsistency in India’s regional commitment.
Why It Was a Missed Opportunity
- The absence of the Prime Minister diminished India’s visibility and diplomatic signalling at a critical geopolitical moment.
- ASEAN leaders were not fully persuaded by the official explanation, especially because India’s absence had also occurred in 2022.
- India lost a valuable opportunity to demonstrate leadership when other major powers reaffirmed their commitment simply through their presence.
Implications
- India’s absence may undermine trust and reduce confidence among ASEAN partners regarding India’s long-term engagement.
- It may create strategic openings for other powers, particularly China, to expand influence in Southeast Asia.
- Slower progress in ongoing negotiations and reduced diplomatic momentum may weaken India’s role in shaping Indo-Pacific architecture.
Way Forward
- India must ensure consistent high-level representation at ASEAN and East Asia Summits to reinforce its commitment to the region.
- Strengthening connectivity and economic integration measures, including faster AITIGA reforms, will be essential to improve trade relations.
- India should expand maritime cooperation, digital connectivity, and defence partnerships to counterbalance strategic competition.
- Diplomatic outreach must be proactive to prevent any misperceptions regarding India’s priorities.
Conclusion: ASEAN remains vital for India’s strategic interests and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The missed opportunity at the Malaysia summit underlines the need for stronger, consistent, and visible diplomatic engagement by India in the ASEAN region.
Question: India’s absence at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia reflects a missed diplomatic opportunity in the Indo-Pacific. Discuss.
