India Emphasizes Rules-Based Order at ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane
India’s Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a rules-based international order during the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Vientiane, Laos, on July 27, 2024. Representing India in the absence of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Mazumdar stressed that regional security architecture must be anchored in international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Why India Prioritizes the ASEAN Regional Forum
The ARF serves as a primary platform for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific, bringing together ASEAN members and key partners including the United States, China, Russia, and India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India views the forum as essential for maintaining a “free, open, and inclusive” Indo-Pacific. By participating in these discussions, New Delhi aims to balance its strategic interests against the rising influence of China in the South China Sea, where maritime disputes remain a point of friction between Beijing and several ASEAN claimants.
Addressing Regional Security Challenges
During the ministerial session, discussions centered on non-traditional security threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, and maritime piracy. Mazumdar highlighted India’s proactive stance in counter-terrorism cooperation, advocating for a collective regional approach to dismantle transnational criminal networks. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat noted that the forum’s focus remains on preventative diplomacy, aiming to de-escalate tensions before they evolve into open conflict. This approach aligns with India’s broader “Act East” policy, which seeks to deepen economic and security ties with Southeast Asian partners.
Comparing Perspectives on Indo-Pacific Stability
The ARF discussions often reflect a divide between Western-aligned powers and those favoring Beijing’s regional security framework. While India, the United States, and Japan consistently advocate for a “rules-based order” and freedom of navigation, China frequently critiques these alliances as “bloc politics” designed to contain its development. The following summary highlights the differing strategic priorities observed at the forum:
| Stakeholder | Primary Strategic Focus |
|---|---|
| India/Quad Partners | Adherence to UNCLOS; freedom of navigation; multilateral maritime security. |
| China | Regional stability via bilateral negotiations; skepticism of external military alliances. |
| ASEAN Members | Maintaining “ASEAN Centrality” and preventing the region from becoming a theater for superpower rivalry. |
What Happens Next for India-ASEAN Relations
Following the Vientiane meetings, India is expected to move toward the ASEAN-India Summit later this year, where the focus will shift from security dialogue to economic connectivity. The MEA has indicated that India will continue to push for the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address trade deficits and integrate supply chains more closely. As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, India’s ability to maintain its “strategic autonomy”—engaging with both Western partners and regional neighbors—will remain the defining feature of its Southeast Asian diplomacy.
Key Takeaways
- Diplomatic Representation: Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar led the Indian delegation, emphasizing India’s role as a stable, neutral partner in the region.
- Legal Frameworks: India explicitly cited UNCLOS as the foundational document for resolving maritime disputes, countering unilateral claims in the South China Sea.
- Security Focus: The forum emphasized counter-terrorism and cyber security as critical pillars for regional resilience.
- Strategic Balancing: India continues to navigate complex relations with both ASEAN and major global powers to protect its maritime and economic interests.