asean

US is finding out it needs India. That’s why Rubio is here. India should play its cards well, and leverage strategic complementarities, especially to balance China. Washington too knows the math doesn’t work minus New Delhi

India is significantly boosting its global electronics trade, now supplying approximately 40% of US smartphone imports previously sourced from China. This shift, alongside growth from asean economies, highlights a broader diversification of import sources driven by domestic priorities and geopolitical realignments. Despite geographical distances, India's smartphone exports to the US have surged, underscoring its expanding role in global manufacturing.

India's Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is in the US, continuing a series of high-level defence exchanges. This follows visits by the Navy and Air Chiefs and a recent 10-year defence framework agreement. These engagements underscore deepening strategic ties and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially amidst regional assertiveness.

India remains one of the strongest long-term growth stories in the world, but investors should consider diversifying their investments into other markets.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is in the US to bolster defense ties and enhance air force collaboration. His visit aims to address logistical and supply issues, potentially including delays in General Electric engine deliveries for Tejas aircraft. This follows recent high-level engagements between Indian and US military leaders.

India has abruptly ended the free import of gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, moving it to a restricted category requiring prior government permission. This move aims to close loopholes in Free Trade Agreements, particularly the India-asean pact, used to evade duties. While SEZs and export-oriented units are exempt, traders now face potential delays due to new licensing procedures.

On March 31, President Murmu will attend the second convocation of Nalanda University at its newly established Rajgir campus. This momentous occasion celebrates the inaugural event at the permanent site, where the President will address graduates, confer degrees, and unveil a state-of-the-art auditorium.

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has extended its free charging program in India until March 31, 2029, aiming to boost electric vehicle adoption. This significant perk, available through its V-Green network, will help buyers substantially cut running costs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 10-point plan to bolster the asean-India Comprehensive Partnership at the 21st asean-India Summit to enhance connectivity and resilience.

With a running theme of “commerce, connectivity and culture”, the Indian government is setting up multiple connection points with asean countries as New Delhi gears up for the asean-India commemorative summit and the biggest ever group of chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations.

The United States and the Association of Southeast Asia nations (asean) support narrowing the development gap in the bloc and assisting the region’s economic recovery. US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday to meet with leaders of the asean, in a summit hosted by Indonesia.

India asean Trade Council conference was organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization to accelerate the trade relationships between the various asean nations and Maharashtra State. The MAH-asean event has been planned in November to showcase the companies in Maharashtra state to collaborate with asean nations.

asean and India are set to re-energize trade talks. Focus is on upgrading the asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement. India aims for a modern and equitable treaty. Both regions adopted the Plan of Action 2026-30. Tourism is getting a boost with 2025 marked as the asean-India Year of Tourism. Air connectivity between Philippines and India is starting soon.

In his opening address at the India-asean summit, the prime minister said enhancing surface, air and maritime connectivity between India and 10 nations of the bloc will significantly boost regional trade and economic growth. Modi said there was opportunity for boosting cooperation in the maritime security sphere and blue economy as well as in areas of agriculture, engineering, digital technology and scientific research.

India chaired a closed UN Security Council meeting on Myanmar and welcomed the asean five-point consensus on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 21st century as the era of India and asean, highlighting the significant growth in trade exceeding $130 billion. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity initiatives including fintech connectivity modeled after Singapore and increased direct flight connections.

Amidst shifting global dynamics and India's transformative transitions, the asean-India alliance emerges as a formidable force.From being Regional Dialogue Partners in 1992, it matured into a 2022 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and was propelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy with commerce, culture, security, connectivity, and cooperation intertwined.

Australia will host leaders from Southeast Asia's asean bloc in Melbourne next March for a special summit to commemorate 50 years of relations, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday as he announced a new investment strategy for the region.

Addressing the 18th India-asean summit virtually, the Prime Minister said India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and asean's Outlook for the Indo-Pacific are the framework for their shared vision and mutual cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi also described the India-asean relations as vibrant.