India is committed to deepen ties with Southeast Asian countries, underpinning mutual interests that span a broad spectrum of areas
In an era where diplomatic engagements stand as pillars of international harmony and progress, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's scheduled visit to Singapore, Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to 27, 2024, is set to mark a significant stride in India's foreign policy.
 
This visit features India's commitment to deepen connections with Southeast Asian countries, underpinning mutual interests that span a broad spectrum of areas including political, economic, strategic, and cultural realms.
 
India's Strengthening Bonds with Singapore
 
In 2023, both sides had several Ministerial interactions on the sidelines of G20 held under India’s Presidency, for which Singapore was invited as a guest country. 
 
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited New Delhi to participate in the G20 Summit in September 2023. Later, EAM Jaishankar was also in Singapore on an official visit in October 2023.
 
The historical ties between India and Singapore have always been dynamic and multifaceted. India's relationship with Singapore is a testament to a longstanding friendship, which dates back to the establishment of a trading post in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles.
 
Since then, the relationship has evolved, particularly after Singapore's independence in 1965, into a robust partnership characterized by strong economic, cultural, and strategic linkages. 
 
High-level exchanges, such as the visits by Prime Ministers from both countries and the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) signed in 2005, were instrumental in propelling bilateral relations to new heights.
 
In 2015, the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
 
A comprehensive approach towards building new ties with the Philippines
 
India's relationship with the Philippines is anchored in shared democratic values and mutual respect. The formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949 paved the way for a friendship that has grown in depth and complexity.
 
Recent years have seen an intensification of this relationship, especially with India's Act East Policy, which has broadened the scope of cooperation to include defence, trade, and cultural exchanges. Notably, the supply of the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines in January 2022 marked a decisive milestone in defence cooperation, reflecting the strategic depth of the bilateral relationship.
 
The Philippines has also emerged as an important trading partner for India in the Southeast Asian region, with bilateral trade reaching $2.4 billion in 2019-2020. 
 
At the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in New Delhi on June 29, 2023, India and the Philippines decided to work together to strengthen the bilateral partnership in areas like defence as well as trade and investment, including working towards a Preferential Trade Agreement.
 
The Strategic Partnership with Malaysia
 
India's ties with Malaysia are rooted in historical interactions and have flourished over the years into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The relationship has been enriched by regular high-level visits, including the state visit by the Malaysian Prime Minister to India and reciprocal visits by Indian dignitaries. 
 
The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Malaysia, signed in 2010, stands as a cornerstone of economic engagement, enhancing trade and investment flows between the two countries.
 
India and Malaysia share a firm commitment to advancing the vision of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which was established during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in 2015. This framework has served as a catalyst, propelling India and Malaysia towards a deeper collaboration and shared progress through concerted efforts.
 
Going forward, bilateral ties between India and Malaysia are set to grow stronger with cooperation in new and emerging areas such as digital public infrastructure, fintech and semiconductors. This was part of the discussions at the 6th India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi on November 7, 2023.

Multiple Dialogues on Regional Concerns
 
EAM Jaishankar's visit is poised to be a significant event, with the South China Sea and Red Sea's strategic waters expected to feature prominently in discussions. The growing concerns over maritime sovereignty claims, especially by China in the South China Sea, necessitate a collaborative approach to ensure peace and adherence to international law. 
 
India, along with other democratic nations, advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes, emphasizing the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
 
As EAM S Jaishankar embarks on this diplomatic journey, the focus remains on reinforcing India's ties with Singapore, Philippines, and Malaysia. Through enhanced bilateral relations and regional cooperation, India aims to contribute to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Southeast Asia. 
 
This visit not only symbolizes India's commitment to its Southeast Asian partners but also highlights the strategic importance of these relationships in the broader context of regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
 
The outcomes of these engagements are eagerly anticipated, promising to usher in a new era of collaboration and mutual growth for India and its Southeast Asian counterparts.