For centuries, the relationship between India and Southeast Asia has been woven into the fabric of global trade, culture, and geopolitics. From the ancient trade winds that carried spices and ideas to the modern era of diplomacy and economic partnerships, the two regions share a history as deep as it is complex. Yet, despite these millennia-old civilisational linkages—epitomised by the Ramayana and Mahabharata—and a shared identity as part of the Global South, the India-ASEAN relationship has often fallen short of its potential. This is the central argument of The Durian Flavour: India and ASEAN After a Decade of the Act East Policy, the latest book by Ambassador Gurjit Singh, a former Indian diplomat with over three decades of experience, including stints as Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, ASEAN, Ethiopia, and the African Union.
Published in February 2026 by Rupa Publications, the book offers a practitioner’s perspective on how India’s engagement with ASEAN has evolved under the Act East Policy—a strategic pivot that goes beyond the economic focus of its predecessor, the Look East Policy. Singh, who also served as Honorary Professor at IIT Indore and advisor to the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, draws on his extensive diplomatic experience to dissect the challenges and opportunities in this critical relationship. His metaphor of the durian—a fruit renowned for its strong aroma and complex flavour—serves as a fitting analogy for the relationship itself: hard to cultivate, but rich in rewards for those willing to invest the effort.
At the heart of Singh’s analysis is the assertion that India and ASEAN must move beyond historical and cultural connections to build a more robust partnership in the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty. The book highlights how Chinese coercion in the South China Sea, the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific, and the disruptions caused by weaponised globalisation are not only threatening ASEAN’s centrality but also exposing vulnerabilities in India’s economic growth. According to Singh, these developments underscore the need for deeper cooperation across political, economic, and defence domains to safeguard shared interests.
A Decade of Act East Policy: From Look East to Strategic Partnership
India’s Act East Policy, launched in 2014, marked a significant shift from the Look East Policy of the 1990s, which was primarily driven by economic interests. The new policy, Singh argues, is rooted in strategic and security considerations, placing ASEAN at the centre of India’s Indo-Pacific vision. The book traces the evolution of this policy, examining its implementation across political, security, and defence pillars. It also underscores the importance of institutional mechanisms, connectivity, and maritime cooperation in strengthening ties.
Singh’s account delves into the complexities of India-ASEAN relations, noting that while both sides share a Global South identity, bureaucratic attitudes and a tendency to seek alternative partnerships have hindered progress. The withdrawal of India from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2019, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a case in point. The decision, driven by concerns over the agreement’s balance and potential impact on Indian industries, created a trust deficit and pushed ASEAN closer to China, according to Singh. The book argues that this structural setback highlights the need for India to address such issues with greater sensitivity and foresight.
The Trust Deficit and the RCEP Withdrawal
India’s exit from RCEP sent ripples through ASEAN, raising questions about New Delhi’s commitment to regional economic integration. The decision, which came after years of negotiations, was met with disappointment in Southeast Asia, where many countries had viewed the pact as a cornerstone of their economic strategy. Singh acknowledges that the withdrawal created a perception of India as an unreliable partner, particularly in the eyes of ASEAN members who had invested heavily in the agreement’s potential.
In the aftermath, ASEAN’s economic engagements have increasingly leaned towards China, which has capitalised on India’s hesitation to deepen trade ties. The book points out that while civilisational and cultural connections remain strong, they are not enough to sustain robust political and economic relations in the long term. Singh advocates for a more pragmatic approach, one that involves not just governments but also corporates, academia, and private actors to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Supply Chains, Tourism, and a Common Indo-Pacific Narrative
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent disruptions to global supply chains have presented both challenges and opportunities for India-ASEAN cooperation. Singh argues that the pandemic has exposed the fragility of existing supply networks and created a window for both regions to collaborate on building more resilient and reliable supply chains. He also highlights the potential for growth in tourism, a sector that has been severely impacted by travel restrictions but remains a vital link between the two regions.
Beyond economics, the book emphasises the need for a common Indo-Pacific narrative that aligns India and ASEAN in their approach to regional security and geopolitical challenges. Singh suggests that by working together, both sides can counterbalance the influence of external powers and promote a rules-based order in the region. This, he argues, is not just about strategic alignment but also about economic resilience and shared prosperity.
The Road Ahead: Adjustment, Accommodation, and Acceptance
Singh concludes his book with a call for both India and ASEAN to embrace adjustment, accommodation, and acceptance in their relationship. He acknowledges that cultivating this partnership is not without its difficulties—bureaucratic hurdles, differing priorities, and external pressures all play a role. However, he remains optimistic, arguing that the current geopolitical landscape, marked by an emerging multipolar order, offers a unique opportunity for both regions to deepen their engagement.
Looking ahead, the next major checkpoint for India-ASEAN relations will likely be the implementation of new initiatives under the Act East Policy, particularly in areas such as digital connectivity, maritime security, and economic integration. The upcoming ASEAN-India Summits and related dialogues will be critical platforms for both sides to reassess their priorities and explore new avenues for cooperation. As Singh notes, the durian’s journey from seed to fruit is a testament to patience and persistence—qualities that India and ASEAN must embody to reap the full benefits of their partnership.
This article is based on the book The Durian Flavour: India and ASEAN After a Decade of the Act East Policy by Ambassador Gurjit Singh and verified reporting on India-ASEAN relations. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any institution.
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