Issues and Challenges in ASEAN–India Relations

Abstract

Are there serious political-security conflicts between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India that could affect deepening relations? The strengthening of ASEAN and India’s cooperation has already bore fruit with the implementation of the ASEAN–India free trade area. However, political security relations have not been fully examined especially if there are possibilities of potential conflicting policy directions. This article aims to contribute to further understanding of ASEAN and India’s political and security relations through ASEAN’s non-traditional security priorities in assessing potential threats to the region. There are indeed policy areas where ASEAN and India do not see eye to eye such as on issues of nuclear proliferation and human rights. However, because of the mutuality of interest between them, potential conflicts can be resolved.