On 14 February 2025, the 25th ASEAN-India Joint Cooperation Committee (AIJCC) meeting convened at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, reflecting the ongoing deepening of ties between India and ASEAN. This meeting was not an isolated event but rather a milestone within a long trajectory of evolving relations that span political, economic, security, and cultural dimensions. The partnership between India and ASEAN has become a cornerstone of regional architecture, underpinned by a shared vision of peace, prosperity, and inclusivity in Asia.
Historical Foundations and Growing Convergence
India’s engagement with ASEAN began formally in 1992 and was cemented when India became a dialogue partner in 1996. Since then, the relationship has progressively expanded beyond economic exchanges to encompass strategic and security cooperation. The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2022 marked a new chapter, emphasising multifaceted cooperation.
India’s Act East policy reaffirms the centrality of ASEAN in its regional approach. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the 2023 East Asia Summit, stated, “ASEAN’s centrality remains the bedrock of our engagement in the region. Our partnership is grounded in respect for rules-based order and mutual prosperity”. This underscores India’s commitment to ASEAN not merely as a group of nations but as the fulcrum of regional stability.
ASEAN, for its part, has welcomed India’s role as a balancer in the Indo-Pacific, supporting ASEAN’s vision of inclusivity and sustainable development (ASEAN Secretariat, 2025). This mutual recognition reinforces their cooperation within ASEAN-led forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).
25th ASEAN-India Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting: Achievements and Outlook
The AIJCC meeting held in Jakarta was pivotal in reviewing the progress of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (POA) 2021–2025. The meeting lauded India’s steadfast support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which aims to ensure an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order (ASEAN Secretariat, 2025). Ambassador Jayant N. Khobragade emphasised, “Our partnership has matured into results-driven cooperation. We are working closely on trade, digital economy, and renewable energy, demonstrating tangible benefits for our peoples” (AIJCC, 2025).
Trade between India and ASEAN has surged, surpassing USD120 billion annually, yet challenges remain, particularly regarding the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). Both sides have urged a swift conclusion of these negotiations to enhance market access and eliminate non-tariff barriers (Department of Commerce, 2024).
Furthermore, the meeting emphasised areas such as defence cooperation, transnational crime prevention, digital economy, renewable and civilian nuclear energy, and people-to-people exchanges. India’s engagement with the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) and support for the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 underscore its commitment to regional infrastructure and technological development (ASEAN Secretariat, 2024).
Maritime Security and Regional Stability
Maritime security is a key pillar of India-ASEAN collaboration. The South China Sea (SCS) disputes remain a complex challenge for ASEAN countries, with ASEAN advocating for peaceful resolution through international law, particularly UNCLOS. India has consistently reiterated its respect for international law as vital for regional peace.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated in 2024, “A stable and open maritime environment underpinned by adherence to international law is critical for all. India supports ASEAN’s efforts towards peaceful dispute resolution” (MEA, 2024). India’s active naval cooperation, including exercises like SIMBEX with Singapore and coordinated patrols with Indonesia, highlights its role in ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime domain awareness.
Strategic analysts point out that India’s increasing presence in Southeast Asian waters “signals a commitment to a rules-based order and regional capacity building” (Singh, 2023). This maritime engagement complements ASEAN’s security architecture and counters non-traditional threats such as piracy, trafficking, and cybercrime.
Economic Integration and Connectivity
Economic engagement has been the backbone of India-ASEAN relations. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) has facilitated trade growth, but both sides recognise the need for modernisation and deeper integration. The review of AITIGA aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce tariffs, and address emerging issues such as digital trade and e-commerce (Department of Commerce, 2024).
India’s support for ASEAN’s connectivity agenda is robust. The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 focuses on physical infrastructure, digital networks, regulatory frameworks, and people-to-people connectivity. India contributes by promoting projects in infrastructure development and digital public goods, which ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn described as “critical to fostering resilience and inclusive growth in the region” (ASEAN Secretariat, 2024).
Moreover, India’s participation in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) promotes urban innovation and sustainability. Initiatives in renewable energy and green finance are also emerging areas of collaboration, reflecting a shared priority to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
Cultural Ties and People-to-People Engagement
India and ASEAN share profound cultural and historical connections dating back centuries through trade, religion, and migration. This cultural affinity is actively leveraged to deepen diplomatic ties. Programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scholarship scheme and joint cultural festivals have enhanced mutual understanding.
Rajagopalan (2023) emphasises that “India’s cultural diplomacy complements its strategic partnerships by nurturing trust and enduring relationships rooted in shared heritage.” These exchanges provide a social foundation for formal diplomatic and economic initiatives.
ASEAN-India POA 2026–2030
In the future, India and ASEAN will develop the next Plan of Action (2026–2030) in order to carry the collaboration forward to emerging areas. These include artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, and climate resilience, as well as aligning regional digital policies (AIJCC, 2025). Concerning future directions, Elizabeth Te, Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippines to ASEAN, noted: “The future of ASEAN-India relations will depend on our adaptability and our shared vision, working together to address the challenges of the 21st century” (AIJCC, 2025).
Conclusion
India-ASEAN relations are now characterised in 2025 by a respect for regional complexities that have grown into a mature and comprehensive partnership. This partnership is based on mutual respect and strategic interest. The partnership has provided regional stability, economic integration, and a framework for inclusive growth. This can further become the basis for enhanced cooperation in maritime security, trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges as needed. In its entirety, it can be said that the India-ASEAN partnership has become the anchor for the evolving regional order in Asia.
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