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International RelationsPremium

India-ASEAN Relations: Trade, Connectivity, and Security

July 19, 2026
5 min read

Introduction

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises 10 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia (Timor-Leste admitted in principle, 2022). India's engagement with ASEAN is a cornerstone of its Act East Policy, succeeding the Look East Policy initiated in 1991. The relationship is built on three pillars: security, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural collaboration.

Historical Evolution

PeriodMilestone
1991Look East Policy launched under PM Narasimha Rao
1996India becomes full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
2002First India-ASEAN Summit (Phnom Penh)
2003India-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Framework)
2004India-ASEAN Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity
2010India-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) in Goods
2012Commemorative Summit (20 years), Strategic Partnership declared
2014Act East Policy (modifiying Look East) under PM Modi
2015

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