India’s economic and political relationship with ASEAN is growing stronger because of new regional dynamics. Many Indian businesses have sought to establish themselves in ASEAN to take advantage of regional trade flows as well as access to the Chinese market.
Recently, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to solidify its relationship with ASEAN. Vice President Hamid Ansari made trips to Indonesia and Brunei to strengthen ASEAN ties, while the Indian government is also lobbying for an early ratification of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and ASEAN.