Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government in India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with British billionaire and Virgin Hyperloop One chairman, Richard Branson to build a hyperloop between Mumbai and Pune. The hyperloop system between Mumbai and Pune will be built by Virgin Hyperloop One and will cover a distance of 150 kilometres.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prides itself on its ability to stave off geopolitical advances by greater powers by vehemently holding on to the principle of centrality. The notion, as was once illustrated by noted Singaporean diplomat, Bilahari Kausikan, is a “fluid” concept.Kausikan makes it clear that centrality is a means for ASEAN states to better serve national interests as well as for great powers to achieve their goals and ambitions.

With the growing influence of China over Southeast Asian waters, the Indian government has expressed a readiness to bolster maritime security in the region, particularly in ensuring peace prevails in the disputed areas of the South China Sea.

The main conclusion drawn from the visit by ASEAN leaders to India last week is that India is finally recognising ASEAN’s geostrategic potency and wants to capitalise on it. In doing so, India must play catch up with China.

The Southeast Asian region and India have civilisational, cultural and linguistical linkages stretching back almost two thousand years. Evidences of Indian influence still permeates the traditions, languages and architectural designs found in many member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).In the 21st century, ties between India and this region have evolved in line with the current speed and vigour of globalisation.

 During its recent Republic Day celebrations, India hosted all 10 ASEAN heads of state as its chief guests. Aside from being the guests of honour at the Republic Day celebrations, on the agenda was also the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, celebrating the 25-year relationship between India and ASEAN.

India’s Republic Day is a big deal for a nation of 1.3 billion. It was on this day in 1950, when the constitution of India came into effect, marking the moment when the country became a full-fledged republic. The celebrations are nothing short of grand – with patriotic military parades embodying Indian pride and valour.However, this year’s edition is an even bigger deal than usual.

India will be celebrating its 69th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January this year and for the first time ever, leaders of all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been invited as chief guests.This marks a huge step in ASEAN-India relations which would also be commemorated in a summit held at the same time.

India and Thailand may have to give freer rein to the rupee and baht this year to avoid triggering U.S. accusations that they’re manipulating their currencies to support exports.The Reserve Bank of India has already exceeded a key threshold on how much it can intervene to curb the rupee’s gains that the U.S. monitors, according to Nomura Holdings Inc.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) encompasses 25 percent global GDP, 45 percent of the total population, 30 percent of global income and 30 percent global trade. Led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it is one of the most useful strategic opportunities for the 16 countries – ASEAN-10, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand – to realise an economically open and liberal Asia Pacific.The potential that RCEP has is immense.