Archive · 1 Aug 2025
India and ASEAN Forge New Plan for Regional Influence
India is working to improve its relationships with countries in Southeast Asia, specifically the ASEAN countries, through its Act East Policy (AEP).
They have made a new plan to help them work together better.
Some people think India can help balance things out in the region because China is getting more influential, especially with trade.
However, India may not fully embrace this role of economic balancer.
India also wants to be a leader in the Global South.
For this to work, it needs to work closely with the ASEAN countries and have consistent ideas and plans.
Finally, they need to make sure they work together and keep the momentum going.
This includes focusing on strong partnerships and keeping promises made at important meetings.
India and ASEAN adopted a new Plan of Action (2026-2030) to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India's Act East Policy (AEP) aims to strengthen engagement with ASEAN, with the Indo-Pacific order giving it new strategic meaning.
Some view India as a potential 'balancer' to China's influence, particularly in economic terms, but this role is not fully realized.
India is also seen as a potential 'normative power' within the Global South, dependent on cooperation and consistent initiatives.
India should focus on strong strategic partnerships, continuity in summit initiatives, and synergy between its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
- Who
- India and ASEAN.
- What
- Adoption of ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) to guide the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- When
- Recently concluded.
- Where
- Southeast Asia.
- Why
- To enhance engagement, address shared regional challenges, and increase India's influence.
Differing Views
N/A
India's primary role in the region
Differing Views
Some view India's role in Southeast Asia through the lens of its competition with China. India being a balancer.
N/A
India's engagement with the region should be viewed independently of China.
- Policy
- Act East Policy (AEP)
- Partnership
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Plan of Action
- 2026-2030
- Dialogue
- Raisina Dialogue 2025
- Initiatives
- MAHASAGAR, IORA, BRICS, BIMSTEC