Eugene RL Tan

Eugene RL Tan

Research Officer, Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

Mr Eugene R.L. Tan is a Research Officer with the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) talks to Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (right) prior to a photo session during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit as part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on 7 September 2023. (Adek Berry/Pool via Reuters)

India’s expanding global influence has limited reach in ASEAN

India is seizing strategic opportunities to emerge as a new global power, but its influence in Southeast Asia is not keenly felt yet. Recent diplomatic accolades that India has achieved with ASEAN, appear to hold more significance in form than in substance. India’s lagging influence in Southeast Asia is also closely associated with its limited economic engagement and protectionist policies towards the region.