India’s relations with Southeast Asia have a long history, characterized by cultural, economic, and diplomatic exchanges.
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The evolution of India’s relations with Southeast Asia can be traced through different historical periods, each with its own unique features:
- Ancient and Medieval Periods: India’s early interactions with Southeast Asia can be traced back to ancient and medieval times. Indian traders, scholars, and religious leaders traveled to Southeast Asia, spreading Indian culture, religions (such as Hinduism and Buddhism), and establishing commercial ties. Indian kingdoms, such as the Cholas and the Pallavas, had maritime links with Southeast Asian states, leading to the exchange of goods and ideas.
- Colonial Period: During the colonial era, India’s relations with Southeast Asia were largely shaped by the influence of European powers. Both India and Southeast Asian countries were colonized by European powers, which led to shared experiences of struggle against colonial rule. Indian nationalists like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi expressed solidarity with Southeast Asian countries in their anti-colonial struggles and advocated for their independence.
- Post-Independence Period: After India’s independence in 1947, the relationship between India and Southeast Asia evolved based on the principles of anti-colonialism, non-alignment, and shared regional aspirations. India played an active role in supporting the decolonization of Southeast Asian countries and promoting regional cooperation. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement and supported the Bandung Conference in 1955, which aimed to strengthen solidarity among Asian and African nations.
- Look East Policy: In the 1990s, India initiated its “Look East Policy,” which later evolved into the “Act East Policy.” This policy aimed to deepen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and East Asia economically, politically, and strategically. It focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, enhancing connectivity, and promoting cultural exchanges. India became a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum in 1996, signaling its commitment to regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
- Economic and Strategic Cooperation: Economic cooperation has become a key pillar of India’s relations with Southeast Asia. India has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN and individual Southeast Asian countries, aiming to boost trade and investment flows. Strategic cooperation has also gained importance, with India actively engaging in defense and security dialogues, joint military exercises, and maritime security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. India has also played a significant role in regional initiatives such as the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
- Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Cultural and people-to-people exchanges form an essential aspect of India’s relations with Southeast Asia. India has established cultural centers, such as the Indian Cultural Centre in various Southeast Asian countries, to promote Indian culture, language, and art. Educational scholarships and exchange programs have been initiated to strengthen educational ties and foster greater understanding between the people of India and Southeast Asia.
Overall, India’s relations with Southeast Asia have evolved over time, from historical cultural connections to contemporary economic and strategic cooperation. The relationship is characterized by shared historical legacies, a commitment to regional cooperation, and a growing focus on economic integration and people-to-people exchanges.