The Relation of India With ASEAN

Although the relation of India with ASEAN has evolved.

There has been some conflict due to strategic and political
mistrust but the general trend has been positive. The first
phase of the relationship was marked by distrust and
suspicion. The India-ASEAN relations aim to facilitate
economic, cultural, and social development and maintain
peace and security among the nations.
India was one of the founding members of the ASEAN-
India Centre for Cooperation (AICC), established in 1995
under an agreement signed between India and ASEAN.
The centre serves as a forum for consultation and
cooperation between member countries on security and
defence, education, health and tourism.
In 1995, India became a dialogue partner with ASEAN.
India had good bilateral relations with the Soviet Union
and was a spearhead of the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM), which made it difficult for India to engage with
ASEAN. The second phase was marked by the growing
strategic rivalry between India and China. In this period,
India was suspicious of Chinese intentions and felt that
ASEAN treated it as a “responsible great power” in the
region. The third phase was marked by the end of the cold
war and the end of the Soviet Union. This brought about a
change in India’s outlook, and it began to treat ASEAN as
an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Significance of ASEAN for India

Cooperation in Defence and Security
India and ASEAN have a common interest in
maintaining peace and stability in the region. They
have signed a Joint Declaration on Defense
Cooperation, which can guide the future strategic
partnership. India has been a useful partner to
ASEAN in this field. It has been helping ASEAN
countries build their defence capabilities. ASEAN-
India cooperation in this field can be enhanced
through regular exchanges between military officials
and academics.
India and ASEAN conduct many joint military
exercises. Cooperation in counter-terrorism can be
initiated by exchanging information between
intelligence agencies and joint investigations.
Growing Chinese aggression and assertion in the
South China Sea and the Indian Ocean is a cause
for concern. It has made ASEAN reach out for
India’s partnership to counter China in this region.
India and ASEAN are important partners in
maintaining maritime security .

cooperation in Countering Climate Change

ASEAN and India are also important players in the global
effort to counter the challenge of climate change. ASEAN
and India cooperate on the issue of marine pollution and
conduct EEO (Environmental Emergency Operations),
where both sides can share expertise. They can set up a
joint research and development centre. Finally, the two
sides can cooperate on renewable energy and solar and
wind power development. It can help reduce carbon
emissions and their dependence on fossil fuels.