As the significance of the Indo-Pacific region rises amidst economic growth and tensions in the South China Sea (SCS), India is actively enhancing cooperation with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East policy. India has established security dialogue mechanisms with key partners such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
Recent dialogues illustrate this deepening engagement:
- India-Vietnam Security Dialogue (December 5, 2024): Co-chaired by Indian National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security, the meeting focused on global and regional security, emphasizing cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cyber threats as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership.
- India-Thailand Defence Dialogue (December 12, 2024): This dialogue sought to strengthen defence ties, with discussions about establishing a joint working group to enhance maritime security and coordination in the defence industry, highlighting the complementary nature of Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy to India’s ‘Act East’.
- India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue (December 13, 2024): At this inaugural meeting between senior officials, both countries reviewed a recently signed memorandum of understanding to improve maritime cooperation, including a standard operating procedure for exchanging maritime information.
- India-Malaysia Security Dialogue (January 7, 2025): Co-chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval and Malaysia’s National Security Council director general, this dialogue centered on global security, counter-terrorism, and increased cooperation in the defence and maritime sectors.
- India-Indonesia Security Dialogues: These dialogues involve high-level discussions between the national security officials of both countries focusing on common security challenges, including terrorism and maritime security.
India has also maintained a robust dialogue with Singapore, engaging in numerous rounds of defence policy dialogues that facilitate structured interactions across military levels.
Key geographic locations like the Straits of Malacca, vital for global trade, underscore the strategic importance of the Southeast Asian region. India, noting this significance, has been enhancing its defence capabilities and collaborations with local navies, exemplified by the provision of patrol boats and missile technology to Vietnam and the Philippines.
Additionally, military exercises with regional partners aim to improve interoperability and defense capacities. Exercises such as Maitree with Thailand, Garuda Shakti with Indonesia, and joint military training with Singapore emphasize operational collaboration.
India’s overarching strategy incorporates supporting ASEAN nations in reinforcing a rules-based order in the SCS, particularly in the face of aggressive posturing from China. Advocacy for the implementation of the 2016 PCA ruling strengthens India’s position as a stabilizing force in promoting economic prosperity and security within the region. The commitment of ASEAN foreign ministers to adhere to UNCLOS reflects the success of India’s diplomatic efforts to build consensus against regional challenges.
Overall, India’s proactive approach in the Indo-Pacific through security dialogues, military cooperation, and strategic partnerships lays a foundation for a collective response to regional challenges, fostering stability and sustainable economic growth in collaboration with Southeast Asian nations.
