India and ASEAN are vital demographies with an immense potential to address global issues like food and health security and regional political challenges, such as the Myanmar crisis, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Friday. Speaking at the Eighth Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks on the theme “Navigating a World in Transition: Agenda for ASEAN-India Cooperation,” Jaishankar emphasized the need for deeper collaboration to tackle shared concerns effectively.
“India and ASEAN together represent more than a quarter of the world’s population. This demographic power can drive economic productivity on a global scale,” Jaishankar said during his one-day visit to the ASEAN-India roundtable. Highlighting how consumer demands and lifestyle choices across these regions impact the world economy, he added, “Our consumption patterns, services, and connectivity initiatives will continue shaping international trade, tourism, mobility, and education.”
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with whom India shares deep historical and cultural bonds. According to Jaishankar, the relationship between India and ASEAN is not just about geopolitical alignment but also rooted in longstanding civilizational and cultural ties. He pointed to India’s recent contributions to heritage restoration and conservation of art forms in the ASEAN region, underscoring that this shared heritage adds intrinsic value to the partnership.
Jaishankar stressed that joint collaboration could be critical in solving pressing contemporary challenges, including food and health security. “In an era where extreme climate events are common, food security is a major concern for our regions. Similarly, the experiences of recent global pandemics highlight the importance of prioritizing health security,” he said. With the world facing increasingly unpredictable natural disasters and the growing impact of climate change, Jaishankar underlined the importance of a proactive approach toward disaster preparedness, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts.
Political challenges, especially those arising in the shared region, cannot be ignored either. “The situation in Myanmar serves as a prime example of a complex regional issue where India’s and ASEAN’s proximate perspectives are crucial,” Jaishankar remarked. “Unlike distant observers, we cannot afford the luxury of time or distance in handling such situations.” India and ASEAN’s proximity to Myanmar creates a sense of urgency, he stressed, making it necessary to collaborate for a stable and peaceful resolution.
The minister also highlighted the need to reinforce self-reliance within the region. “Fostering a culture of self-help is essential, and it can only be achieved by dedicating our time and efforts to joint initiatives,” he said. This self-reliant approach, he suggested, would enable India and ASEAN to handle crises in a more resilient and effective manner.
ASEAN-India cooperation is now in its fourth decade, and the potential for growth remains vast, according to Jaishankar. Bilateral and trilateral engagements, such as the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, have already strengthened ties and produced tangible results. “These cooperative frameworks show the effectiveness of collective action and underscore our potential to make a substantial impact,” he said.
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Looking at the broader Indo-Pacific region, Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and cohesion. India’s strong advocacy for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific aligns with ASEAN’s centrality in the region. “India remains dedicated to respecting international law, rules, and norms, which further strengthens our convergence,” he said, pointing out that this alignment has only grown stronger over the past four decades. “This foundation is crucial for realizing high ambitions in the ASEAN-India partnership.”
As Jaishankar concluded his address, he expressed optimism about the future of ASEAN-India relations, grounded in both shared values and pragmatic cooperation. With significant demographic and economic clout, India and ASEAN can not only fulfill their own development needs but also play a critical role in global governance and stability. The strategic partnership, he suggested, is poised to take on even greater responsibility as the region adapts to the shifting dynamics of the world.
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect a shared vision for a resilient and proactive ASEAN-India partnership, one that combines the strengths of both regions to address global challenges. As the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve, India and ASEAN’s collaborative efforts could set a powerful example of regional self-reliance and solidarity, potentially driving solutions for both domestic and international challenges.
