New Delhi, Aug 28: Singapore’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2027 could open fresh opportunities for India to strengthen its economic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia, experts said during a panel discussion organised by the Centre for Research and Forums (CRF).
The discussion highlighted the potential for India to engage more closely with ASEAN as the region navigates a changing global economic and geopolitical environment. Singapore is set to assume the rotating ASEAN chair next year, with the grouping placing greater emphasis on regional unity, deeper integration and resilience.
For India, the Singapore-led ASEAN agenda could provide additional space to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, connectivity, supply chains and the digital economy.
The panel noted that India’s relationship with Southeast Asia has evolved considerably in recent years. New Delhi’s growing economic and strategic engagement with the region, alongside its Act East policy, has created opportunities for stronger partnerships with ASEAN member countries.
Singapore’s role could be particularly significant because of its position as a major business, financial and connectivity hub in Asia. Its approach to the 2027 chairmanship is expected to focus on strengthening ASEAN’s ability to respond to economic and geopolitical challenges while keeping the region open and connected.
The opportunity for India extends beyond government-to-government engagement. Greater regional cooperation could create new possibilities for Indian companies seeking to expand into Southeast Asian markets and for ASEAN businesses looking at investment opportunities in India.
Areas such as advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing and resilient supply chains could become important parts of the economic relationship. Singapore has also indicated that it wants ASEAN to build stronger connections with partners beyond its traditional networks, including through cooperation in transport, connectivity, energy and sustainable development.
Recent business-level engagement between India and Singapore has further underlined the scope for investment and commercial cooperation. Discussions between Indian officials and Singapore’s business community have included opportunities for greater investment in India, including in sectors and regions with growing economic potential.
The CRF panel stressed that India’s engagement with ASEAN could increasingly move towards a partnership based on mutual interests and shared economic opportunities. Rather than viewing Southeast Asia only through individual bilateral relationships, India can use regional platforms to build wider cooperation.
A stronger India-ASEAN partnership could also contribute to more diversified supply chains and greater economic resilience at a time when businesses globally are reassessing their sourcing and investment strategies.
With Singapore preparing to lead ASEAN in 2027, the coming year could therefore provide India with an important platform to strengthen its role in the wider Indo-Pacific and build deeper connections with one of the world’s most economically dynamic regions.