Source: The post India must reform and reengage Southeast Asia has been created, based on the article “New Delhi must look east again as global relations change shape” published in “Live Mint” on 25th August 2025. India must reform and reengage Southeast Asia.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations
Context: India’s geopolitical moment mirrors 1991, demanding reforms and a renewed Look East. Engagement with Southeast Asia grew since the 1990s, yet integration lagged. Misaligned aims, U.S. policy shifts under Donald Trump, and ASEAN’s China dependence make economic liberalization and tighter regional partnerships urgent.
Engagement Without Integration
- Geopolitics versus geoeconomics: India approached ASEAN mainly to balance China. ASEAN expected India as a second geo-economic partner. This mismatch kept economics secondary for India and security for ASEAN, preserving distance.
- Wariness of China-linked agreements: India stayed wary of regional trade agreements that included China. ASEAN states, except Vietnam and the Philippines to some extent, were cool to tighter security ties that could provoke Beijing. The result is a sub-optimal equilibrium.
- Limits of past engagement: Engagement increased after the 1990s. Yet integration did not follow. Thirty years after Look East began, ties remain short of potential.
A Changed Strategic Setting
- Unsettled U.S. security guarantees: Washington’s old East Asia playbook was discarded under Donald Trump; allies and ASEAN can no longer presume a U.S. umbrella.
- Trade and coercive power: U.S. trade ties may hinge on politics. Economic power is used coercively. ASEAN economies heavily depend on China.
- Opportunities to recast ties: India, ASEAN, and East Asian capitals now have openings—and imperatives—to redesign ties. Security and trade assumptions need rethinking.
Perceptions and Partnership Gaps
- Mixed regional trust: The 2025 ISEAS survey shows limited Indian influence. Reservations about India’s capacity are 35.8%. Trust stands close at 35.3%.
- Why some trust India: Among those who trust India, 30.1% view it as a responsible stakeholder that respects and champions international law. Vietnam (49.1%), Singapore (37.5%), Indonesia (37.3%), Brunei (32.5%), and Cambodia (26.4%) share this view. Almost a fifth, 19.0%, credit India with resources and will for leadership.
- Why some distrust India: Among those who distrust India, 40.2% say India lacks capacity or will for leadership. Another 30.3% think India is distracted by internal and sub-continental issues.
- Indonesia’s overlooked centrality: Elite Indonesians ranked India near the bottom for relevance among dialogue partners. The two share civilizational links and democratic values. They are neighbours, only 180 km apart. Indonesia can anchor a new security quadrilateral with Vietnam, Japan, and India. A U.S.–Japan–Australia–India quad seemed impossible until 2007; initiative made it real.
Economic Choices Ahead
- Re-examining RCEP: Whatever the 2019 reasons, the decision merits review. The previous terms may not return.
- Services in the bargain: India could press for a deal that includes services. India’s market is more attractive after U.S. tariff hikes.
- Managing China concerns: Concerns over Chinese exports are real. Yet shielding every Indian industry forever is not viable.
- Avoiding isolation: Remaining outside the East Asian economic bloc risks isolation. India cannot afford that outcome.
Question for practice:
Discuss the reasons for India’s limited integration with Southeast Asia and the steps to strengthen ties.
