By – Arundhati Mathur
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering political, economic, and social collaboration among its member states. Founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, ASEAN has ten members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. ASEAN and India’s relations are dated back to centuries, rooted in trade, religion, and cultural exchange.
Indian traders and sailors played a crucial role in establishing maritime routes that facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between India and Southeast Asia. Through these interactions, Hinduism and Buddhism—two major religions originating in India—had a profound impact on the cultural heritage of ASEAN nations like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Iconic temples such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Prambanan in Indonesia reflect this rich shared heritage. Additionally, the Sanskrit language significantly influenced Southeast Asian languages and literature. Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata were adapted into local traditions, fostering a sense of cultural connection. Indian artistic and architectural styles also shaped Southeast Asian temple design, sculpture, and performing arts, blending with native traditions to produce distinct cultural expressions.
The historical and cultural ties between India and ASEAN have provided a solid foundation for their strategic partnership in the modern era. This relationship is aligned with India’s “Act East Policy,” which focuses on strengthening connections with Southeast Asia to enhance regional stability and drive economic development. Shared cultural heritage plays a key role in building mutual trust, essential for tackling maritime security challenges. Given the significance of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea for trade and energy supply, cooperation in maritime security has become a priority. This includes joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, and mechanisms for sharing information. Cultural alignment has also bolstered political dialogue between India and ASEAN. Platforms such as the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit enable discussions on regional security matters, including counterterrorism, cyber threats, and transnational crime. India’s cultural diplomacy efforts, such as celebrating International Yoga Day, offering scholarships to ASEAN students, and organizing cultural exchange programs, further strengthen people-to-people connections. These initiatives not only deepen cultural understanding but also advance India’s strategic interests in the region.
India and ASEAN have identified numerous sectors for collaboration, rooted in their shared history, complementary economies, and strategic priorities. Trade and investment are key, with potential in areas like pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT, automotive, and agriculture, boosted by the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA). Connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and digital infrastructure projects, aim to strengthen physical, maritime, and digital links. Renewable energy partnerships in solar, wind, and bioenergy, alongside climate change mitigation efforts, hold significant promise. Maritime cooperation focuses on securing trade routes, developing the blue economy, and protecting marine ecosystems. Education and skill development through academic exchanges and vocational training foster human capital, while tourism and cultural exchanges deepen people-to-people connections. The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors offer opportunities to supply affordable medicines and strengthen health infrastructure. Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, biotechnology, and space research present avenues for innovation and economic growth. Collaboration in agriculture, sustainable development, defence, and supply chain integration further enhances resilience and regional connectivity. Together, these efforts strengthen ASEAN-India relations, addressing common challenges and driving shared progress.
Cultural synchronicity also significantly influences economic relations between ASEAN and India. Shared cultural values and historical linkages create a conducive environment for trade, investment, and innovation. ASEAN stands as India’s fourth-largest trading partner, while India holds a prominent position among ASEAN’s top trade allies. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA), established in 2010, has significantly increased trade volumes by lowering tariffs on goods and services. Key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, and automotive industries have benefited greatly from this partnership, with cultural connections easing business interactions.
Efforts to enhance physical and digital connectivity further strengthen economic integration. Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aim to connect India with Southeast Asia, reducing logistics costs and spurring regional growth. Digital infrastructure initiatives, including cross-border e-commerce and fintech partnerships, leverage cultural affinities to enable smooth transactions.
Tourism also plays a crucial role in economic collaboration, driven by shared cultural heritage. India’s Buddhist Circuit attracts visitors from ASEAN countries, while Indian tourists are drawn to Southeast Asia’s beaches, temples, and vibrant cultural festivals. Cooperation in tourism extends to areas such as training, capacity-building, and joint marketing efforts.
ASEAN and India share a profound cultural and historical bond that has shaped their interactions for centuries, yet several challenges hinder the full potential of their modern-day collaboration. Geopolitical dynamics, such as the rise of China and competing interests in the Indo-Pacific, present significant obstacles to advancing this partnership. Delays in crucial connectivity projects, often caused by funding gaps and logistical hurdles, limit trade and investment opportunities. Furthermore, non-tariff barriers and complex regulatory systems disrupt the seamless flow of goods and services, posing significant challenges to economic integration between the two regions.
To overcome these challenges, it is imperative to adopt innovative strategies that build on their shared cultural heritage and historical ties. Expanding cultural exchange programs, fostering connections through shared traditions, and promoting mutual understanding can strengthen the foundation of their relationship. Joint efforts in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and sustainable tourism can address shared environmental concerns while fostering economic growth. Meanwhile, collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology can enhance competitiveness and innovation, driving both regions toward greater economic success.
Cultural synchronicity remains a cornerstone of ASEAN-India relations, playing a critical role in fostering trust and bridging gaps across strategic and economic domains. Policymakers must leverage this cultural affinity to ensure that economic benefits are inclusive, reaching diverse communities and generating grassroots support for the partnership. Strengthening educational collaborations through partnerships between universities and research institutions can further promote knowledge-sharing and drive technological advancements. Aligning policies with broader regional frameworks, such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, can also help harmonize efforts and enhance regional integration.
As the Indo-Pacific emerges as a pivotal region in global geopolitics, ASEAN and India’s shared cultural and strategic ties are vital for addressing mutual challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth. By deepening their collaboration in cultural, economic, and strategic areas, the two regions can build a resilient and enduring partnership that not only advances their mutual interests but also contributes significantly to regional stability and global prosperity. Rooted in centuries-old exchanges of ideas, trade, and traditions, this relationship has the potential to drive a future of shared progress and sustainable development.
References:-
https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/message-from-the-secretary-general-of-asean
https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/30-years-of-asean-india-relations/
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/india’s-partnership-asean-212031
https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/30-years-of-asean-india-relations/