This article primarily outlines key aspects of India's foreign policy and its engagement with regional and global groupings, with a particular emphasis on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It explores the status and significance of India-ASEAN ties, including identified areas of cooperation and the role of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. A significant development highlighted is the declaration of 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’. The text also notes India’s participation in the ‘ASEAN Plus Six’ grouping and introduces the concept of the ‘global south’. Presented in the context of general studies for competitive examinations, the article outlines critical points for understanding India’s bilateral and regional interests, alongside references to relevant past examination questions.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-key-india-asean-relations-ai-regulation-food-security-10330017/