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.
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.
