India–Asean Relations: Key Dialogues, Agreements and Strategic Partnerships

The relationship between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forms a core pillar of India’s foreign policy and its Act East Policy. From ancient maritime trade links to modern strategic alignment, engagement between the two sides spans political, security, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. India shares land boundaries with Myanmar and maritime boundaries with Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar. ASEAN accounts for approximately 11% of India’s global trade, with bilateral commerce reaching $128 billion in fiscal year 2025–26.

Historical Evolution of Institutional Ties

Key Milestones in Relations

• Sectoral Dialogue Partner (1992): India initiated formal institutional links with ASEAN under the Look East Policy announced by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
• Full Dialogue Partner (1996): India joined the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to participate in regional security dialogues.
• Summit-Level Partner (2002): Annual summits commenced between the Indian Prime Minister and ASEAN Heads of State at Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Strategic Partnership (2012): Upgraded during the Commemorative Summit in New Delhi celebrating 20 years of dialogue relations.
• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022): Elevated during the 19th ASEAN-India Summit in Phnom Penh, marking 30 years of partnership.

Strategic Frameworks and Policy Alignment

Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Integration

• Transition from Look East: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Act East Policy at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit in Myanmar in November 2014, shifting focus toward action-oriented security, economic, and connectivity initiatives.
• Three Cs Framework: The Act East Policy builds on Commerce, Connectivity, and Culture to deepen regional integration across the Indo-Pacific.
• AOIP and IPOI Convergence: India aligns its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) across maritime security, marine resources, and environmental sustainability.
• Resident Mission: India established an independent diplomatic Mission to ASEAN with a resident Ambassador in Jakarta, Indonesia, in April 2015.

Economic Agreements and Trade Dynamics

Trade Frameworks and Review Mechanisms

• ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA): Signed in August 2009 and brought into force in January 2010 to establish a free trade area.
• Trade in Services and Investment Agreements: Signed in 2014 and implemented in 2015 to complete the broader ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AFTA).
• AITIGA Review Process: Modernization talks focus on addressing non-tariff barriers, simplifying rules of origin, improving trade facilitation, and rebalancing the trade deficit.
• Bilateral Trade Volume: India-ASEAN trade grew from 121 billion in FY 2023–24 to 128 billion in FY 2025–26, making ASEAN one of India’s largest trading partners.

Summary of Trade and Institutional Milestones

Dedicated Funds and Financial Mechanisms

Financial Support Infrastructure

• ASEAN-India Fund (AIF): Finances general socio-economic, developmental, and cultural projects.
• ASEAN-India Green Fund (AIGF): Supports climate adaptation, environmental protection, and renewable energy transition.
• ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund (AISTDF): Funds joint scientific research, technology transfers, and researcher exchanges.
• ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future: Backs digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity cooperation, and telecommunications innovation.

Core India–ASEAN Relations Facts

• Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC): India acceded to the TAC in Southeast Asia in October 2003, committing to peaceful coexistence and non-interference.
• ASEAN Member States: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Trilateral Highway Project: A major land connectivity initiative linking Moreh in Manipur, India, to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar.
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Connects Kolkata port to Sittwe port in Myanmar, extending inland via the Kaladan river to Mizoram.
• ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME): Co-hosted inaugural maritime drills in May 2023 in the South China Sea to strengthen naval interoperability.
• Delhi Dialogue: Premier annual track 1.5 dialogue hosted by India since 2009 to discuss politico-security and economic cooperation.
• Year of Maritime Cooperation: Designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation to boost blue economy and maritime domain awareness.
• Trade Share: ASEAN accounts for roughly 11% of India’s global trade, maintaining a strong economic presence in Southeast Asia.