India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term has placed a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia. The region is crucial for India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests, particularly within the Indo-Pacific theater.
Modi’s recent visits to Singapore and Brunei, along with the visits of Vietnamese and Malaysian Prime Ministers to India, underscore the growing importance of Southeast Asia to India’s foreign policy. India’s “Act East Policy,” a continuation of the “Look East Policy,” aims to actively engage with Southeast Asian nations and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The geographic proximity of Southeast Asia to India and its role as a gateway to the South China Sea make it strategically important. India’s strengthened relationship with the region is seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
India has focused on strengthening ties with ASEAN member states, with bilateral trade between India and ASEAN exceeding $100 billion in 2023. India is also collaborating with Southeast Asian countries on various fronts, including semiconductor technology, health, skilling, digital security, defense, maritime security, energy, and infrastructure development.
India’s position on the South China Sea has evolved, now clearly supporting the Philippines’ sovereign maritime territorial claims and advocating for freedom of navigation and resource exploitation in accordance with international law. This stance aligns India with Southeast Asian nations against unilateral actions by China, while also ensuring freedom of navigation and bolstering regional security.
Modi’s third term is expected to further strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, building upon the progress made in the past decade.
