The 21st ASEAN-India Summit, held on October 10, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, culminated in all leaders reaffirming the shared commitment between ASEAN and India to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. At the heart of the discussions were pressing concerns around maritime security, counter-terrorism, and trade, all within the broader framework of India’s Act East Policy (AEP) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

In a joint statement issued at the end of the summit both sides recognized the importance of bolstering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, citing the need for stronger cooperation in these key areas.

Maritime Security and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

Maritime cooperation was a central theme of the summit, with both ASEAN and India stressing the need for peace and stability in the region. The joint statement emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight, key principles enshrined in international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The promotion of lawful maritime commerce and peaceful dispute resolution was underscored as a critical pillar for fostering stability in the Indo-Pacific.

With the South China Sea remaining a focal point of maritime tensions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea. They also expressed optimism about finalizing an effective Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law. India’s participation in joint maritime exercises, such as the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) held in 2023, further demonstrated its commitment to building regional maritime security capacities.

ASEAN and India also committed to strengthening their maritime security cooperation in areas like the blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, and climate change. These efforts aim to enhance the region’s resilience against environmental and economic threats, while advancing mutual goals of sustainable development.

Counter-Terrorism: A Critical Focus

Counter-terrorism was another high-priority issue discussed during the summit. The statement outlined expanded cooperation in counter-terrorism, particularly through India’s co-chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for 2024-2027. The two sides recognized the growing threat of transnational crime, cyber threats, and terrorism, calling for enhanced information exchange, joint exercises, and capacity-building efforts to counter these challenges.

Both sides also highlighted the need for increased cooperation in military medicine, disaster relief, peacekeeping, and demining operations, emphasizing the importance of a collective defense mechanism to tackle the ever-evolving nature of global security threats.

Trade and Economic Cooperation: A Path Forward

Beyond security, the ASEAN-India partnership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade relations. Both sides stressed the urgency of expediting the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more effective and relevant to current global trading practices. And underscored the need to simplify and facilitate trade, particularly by creating mutually beneficial arrangements that support businesses in both regions.

As part of their economic collaboration, ASEAN and India also focused on strengthening supply chains to make them more secure, resilient, and transparent. Both sides agreed to exchange information and address potential risks proactively, particularly in light of the global economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Emerging technologies were another significant area of cooperation. ASEAN and India committed to deepening their collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and quantum computing. This also extended to the building and strengthening of digital ecosystems, with a special emphasis on financial technology and digital connectivity. The launch of the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future is expected to support joint activities in these areas, promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth across the region.

Multilateralism and Sustainable Development

The summit reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to promoting multilateralism, particularly through the United Nations and other multilateral processes. ASEAN and India emphasized the importance of addressing global concerns through cooperation, sharing goals, and complementary initiatives, all aimed at promoting sustainable development and prosperity for their people.

In line with their shared vision for peace and stability, ASEAN and India agreed to strengthen cooperation between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). This cooperation will advance their maritime agenda while promoting shared goals of environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Looking Ahead: Tourism and Beyond

Looking toward the future, the summit welcomed the proposal to celebrate 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, recognizing the potential for tourism to drive sustainable socio-economic development. The joint statement highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties through tourism while promoting niche markets like cruise tourism and sustainable travel.

Additionally, ASEAN and India pledged to strengthen cooperation in public health, environment, energy security, and clean energy initiatives, reflecting their shared commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring energy sustainability.