India playing 'inherently valuable' role in Southeast Asia: Report
New Delhi, June 5
India's presence is making the dilemma of choosing between the United States and China more manageable for ASEAN member countries by expanding the range of available options, a report has detailed.
"For ASEAN, the presence of a partner like India does not resolve its central dilemma, but it does make that dilemma more manageable. By expanding the range of available options, India helps reduce the pressure to choose between the United States and China," former Indian diplomat Raghu Gururaj wrote in Indian Narrative.
India's engagement, he said, increasingly aligns with ASEAN's preference for inclusive and non-bloc regional architectures.
India has consistently emphasised ASEAN centrality within the Indo-Pacific, unlike alliance-driven approaches. It also continues to participate actively in the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus.
"This matters because ASEAN's strategic culture prioritises equilibrium, consultation, and multi-alignment over rigid geopolitical camps. India's relatively non-prescriptive approach, therefore, allows it to engage Southeast Asia without generating the dilemmas often associated with major-power competition," Gururaj emphasised.
A significant evolution in India's external security posture marked by the export of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
Reports saying Vietnam has concluded a similar agreement, and Indonesia is approaching the final stages of negotiations, show the emergence of India as a "credible defence supplier within Southeast Asia."
Beyond defence, India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) offers a sovereignty-sensitive digital alternative built around interoperability, lower implementation costs and state ownership, which neither China nor the United States can fully replicate, as many states are wary of both Chinese platform dependency and Western big-tech dominance.
The joint statement issued during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in October 2024 acknowledged "the opportunities for collaboration, with the mutual consent of ASEAN Member States and India, to utilise various kinds of platforms to promote DPI development across the region."
"India does not seek to dominate or define the region's trajectory. Instead, it operates as a complementary force, expanding options and reducing over-dependence on any single partner. In a system defined by hedging, such a role is inherently valuable," Ambassador Gururaj wrote in India Narrative.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is smart diplomacy. While US and China are playing zero-sum games, India is offering practical solutions like digital infrastructure that doesn't compromise sovereignty. 🇮🇳👍
Interesting perspective from a Western view. India's non-alignment strategy seems to be paying off in Southeast Asia. The BrahMos deal with Philippines shows we're serious about defence cooperation.
Good analysis but let's not forget - ASEAN countries are pragmatic. They appreciate India's approach because we don't lecture them on human rights or demand exclusive loyalty like others do. It's mutual respect.
As someone working in digital policy, the DPI angle is fascinating. India's UPI and Aadhaar models are genuinely attractive to developing nations. It's not about replacing China or US but offering a third way.
True, but I wish our government would focus more on trade deals rather than just defence. Look at how much China invests in infrastructure in Myanmar and Cambodia. We need to match that commitment. 😕
This 'non-prescriptive' approach is smart. Unlike Western nations that tie aid to conditions, India offers partnership without strings. That resonates with post-colonial ASEAN countries.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.