India engages with ASEAN after Piyush Goyal's remark

New Delhi: India and ASEAN engaged in quiet diplomacy on Friday to reaffirm ties, a day after Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's unexpected comments sparked unease across Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the India Global Forum in London, Goyal criticised past trade agreements with ASEAN nations, calling them "silly" and claiming several countries had become the "B-team of China" by allowing indirect entry of Chinese goods into India through preferential trade routes.

The remarks came as a surprise, especially with 2025 marking 30 years since India became a full dialogue partner of ASEAN. The comment also came months after Indonesia's President was invited as chief guest for India's Republic Day celebrations, and ahead of planned visits by leaders from the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam later this year.


On Friday, India sought to dial down tensions. At a forum in Jakarta, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, strongly endorsed the India-ASEAN relationship. "Our ties are based on civilisational links, shared values and common aspirations," he said, adding that both regions are fast-growing and central to shaping the Global South's future.

Kumaran highlighted India's growing engagement with ASEAN across more than 40 dialogue mechanisms. He also outlined collaborations in critical minerals, semiconductors, cross-border payments, and digital connectivity.