The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional group of countries in Southeast Asia. It was formed on August 8, 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Its secretariat is in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Members
ASEAN expanded over the years to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Timor-Leste was admitted as its 11th member in October 2025. The chair rotates every year among members in alphabetical order.
How ASEAN works
ASEAN works through consensus and consultation, often called the ASEAN Way. Leaders meet at the ASEAN Summit, and there are many ministerial meetings. The bloc has three pillars: political security, economic, and socio cultural communities. ASEAN also leads wider forums, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum, where major powers including India take part.
India and ASEAN
- India became a sectoral dialogue partner in 1992 and a full dialogue partner in 1996.
- India ASEAN summit level meetings began in 2002.
- The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2012 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
- In 2018, leaders of all ASEAN countries were chief guests at India’s Republic Day parade.
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Look East to Act East
India adopted the Look East Policy in the early 1990s to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia. In 2014, it was upgraded to the Act East Policy, which focuses on trade, connectivity, culture and security. ASEAN is at the centre of this policy.
Trade
India and ASEAN signed a trade in goods agreement (AITIGA) in 2009, which came into force in 2010. ASEAN is one of India’s largest trading partners. India has raised concerns about a growing trade deficit, and both sides have been reviewing the agreement. Check the Department of Commerce for the latest status.
Connectivity projects
Projects such as the India Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project aim to link India’s northeast with Southeast Asia. Progress has been affected by challenges in Myanmar.
Why it matters
ASEAN sits along key sea routes in the Indo Pacific. Close ties help India in trade, maritime security and its role in the region.
Bottom line
ASEAN is a key regional bloc and a natural partner for India. The Act East Policy places it at the heart of India’s engagement with Asia.
Source / स्रोत: ASEAN Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Commerce
