India is significantly deepening its footprint across the Indo-Pacific, guided by its strategic doctrine SAGAR—Security And Growth for All in the Region. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 2024 Annual Report, India’s foreign policy remains centered on creating a secure, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific environment. This includes respect for sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution, and adherence to global law.
As the country celebrates a decade of its Act East Policy, the MEA emphasized robust ties with regional groups like ASEAN, which remains central to India’s Indo-Pacific framework. The India-ASEAN partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. During the 21st India-ASEAN Summit in Laos in October 2024, Prime Minister Modi and ASEAN leaders released joint declarations on digital transformation and future cooperation.
India’s influence spans both political and cultural spheres. The report references efforts like the India-ASEAN Women Scientists Conclave and the strengthening of people-to-people connections. ASEAN is now a major partner for India in both trade and technology sectors.
PM Modi’s participation in the 19th East Asia Summit on October 11, 2024, further underscored India’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality. There, he spoke on global challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and educational partnerships—highlighting Nalanda University’s revival with regional backing.
India has also taken a leadership role in the western Indian Ocean. Since becoming an observer in the Indian Ocean Commission in 2020, India now serves as Vice-Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) through 2025, promoting maritime security and the sustainable Blue Economy. According to the World Bank, this concept focuses on responsible ocean resource use for growth while preserving marine ecosystems.
The Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), launched in 2019, continues to gather momentum, focusing on seven pillars like maritime safety and trade connectivity. Nations like Australia, Japan, and the UK have signed on.
India’s sub-regional diplomacy is also thriving. It leads key roles in the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), launching 121 Quick Impact Projects and establishing the MGC Business Council. In 2024, India hosted its first Early Harvest Project under the IMT-GT alliance, offering IT training in New Delhi.
Expanding on SAGAR, PM Modi introduced the MAHASAGAR doctrine—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—during a 2025 visit to Mauritius. This broader vision reinforces India’s leadership as a crisis responder and a trusted security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
