India’s involvement is helping ASEAN countries navigate the challenge of choosing between the United States and China by broadening their options, according to a report. Former Indian diplomat Raghu Gururaj highlighted that while India’s presence doesn’t solve ASEAN’s central dilemma, it does make it more manageable. India’s engagement aligns with ASEAN’s preference for inclusive regional structures, emphasizing ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and actively participating in key ASEAN forums.
India’s strategic approach, focusing on equilibrium and multi-alignment, allows it to engage with Southeast Asia without forcing countries to pick sides in major-power competition. Notably, India’s export of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines signifies a significant shift in its external security posture. Reports suggest that Vietnam has also reached a similar agreement, while Indonesia is in advanced negotiations, positioning India as a reliable defense supplier in Southeast Asia.
Apart from defense, India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) offers a digital alternative that prioritizes sovereignty, interoperability, and state ownership, distinguishing it from Chinese and American digital platforms. The joint statement from the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in October 2024 recognized the potential for collaboration to promote DPI development across the region. India’s role in the region is seen as complementary, expanding choices and reducing reliance on any single partner, without seeking dominance over the trajectory of the region.
