India is strengthening its maritime security partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to counter growing Chinese influence in the South China Sea. According to the Lowy Institute, New Delhi is positioning itself as a reliable security provider that respects ASEAN centrality, offering a strategic alternative to the binary choice between the United States and China.
India’s Strategic Shift Toward the Indo-Pacific
New Delhi has transitioned from a land-centric security focus to an “Act East” policy. This shift prioritizes the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea as critical zones for trade and stability. The Ministry of External Affairs of India emphasizes that this approach isn’t just about trade, but about ensuring a “free, open, and inclusive” Indo-Pacific.
India’s naval presence in the region has increased through joint exercises and logistics agreements. By expanding its footprint, India aims to prevent any single power from dominating the vital sea lanes that connect the Malacca Strait to the broader Pacific.
Comparing India and China’s Maritime Approaches
The tension in the region stems from contrasting views on sovereignty and international law. While China claims vast swaths of the South China Sea via its “nine-dash line,” India advocates for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This legalistic approach makes India an attractive partner for ASEAN states like Vietnam and the Philippines, who face direct territorial disputes with Beijing.
| Feature | India’s Approach | China’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Strong adherence to UNCLOS | Disputes UNCLOS rulings (e.g., 2016 PCA) |
| Regional Goal | Multipolarity & ASEAN Centrality | Regional Hegemony/Sphere of Influence |
| Security Tool | Capacity building & joint patrols | Island reclamation & militarization |
The Role of ASEAN Centrality
ASEAN centrality is the principle that the 10-member bloc should drive the regional agenda. India supports this framework to avoid the perception that it is simply a deputy of the U.S.-led “Quad” (comprising India, U.S., Japan, and Australia). By engaging ASEAN directly, India builds trust with nations that are wary of being caught in a superpower conflict.
Security cooperation now includes defense exports and training. India’s delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines, as reported by Reuters, signals a willingness to provide high-end military hardware to Southeast Asian partners to balance the regional power dynamic.
Challenges to the India-ASEAN Partnership
Despite the alignment, gaps remain. India’s economic integration with ASEAN is lower than China’s. Beijing remains the primary trading partner for most ASEAN members, creating a “security-economy” paradox where nations look to India or the U.S. for protection but rely on China for growth.
Additionally, India’s own border disputes with China in the Himalayas often dictate its maritime priorities. When tensions flare on land, New Delhi tends to accelerate its naval deployments in the South China Sea to create a two-front strategic challenge for Beijing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is India’s role in the South China Sea important?
India ensures that international shipping lanes remain open. Since a significant portion of India’s trade passes through these waters, any blockade or hegemony by a single power threatens New Delhi’s economic security.
What is the “Act East” policy?
It’s a diplomatic and economic strategy launched by the Indian government to deepen ties with East and Southeast Asian nations, moving beyond the previous “Look East” policy to include more concrete security and infrastructure projects.
How does India differ from the U.S. in its approach to ASEAN?
While both oppose Chinese aggression, India often emphasizes “non-interference” and “sovereignty” more heavily, mirroring the diplomatic culture of ASEAN members.
Outlook for Regional Stability
The trajectory of India-ASEAN relations depends on New Delhi’s ability to match its security promises with economic investment. As ASEAN nations seek to diversify their supply chains away from China, India’s role as a democratic, stable partner becomes more critical. Expect increased naval interoperability and more frequent high-level diplomatic summits as both parties seek to insulate the region from great-power volatility.
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