WeSchool Hosts ASEAN Round Table to Foster Regional Harmony and Strengthen ASEAN-India Ties

The Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, served as the venue for an insightful ASEAN Round Table, where diplomats, academicians, and policy influencers convened to deliberate on ASEAN’s role in shaping a secure and flourishing regional future. The event emphasized five decades of ASEAN’s diplomatic influence and focused particularly on its growing engagement with India.

The forum opened with remarks from H.E. Mr. Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff, Consul General of Malaysia in Mumbai, who reflected on ASEAN’s founding in 1967 in Bangkok and its steadfast commitment to regional peace. “For more than fifty years, ASEAN has remained a cornerstone for regional stability, thanks to its guiding principles of non-interference and peaceful coexistence,” he remarked, while also noting ASEAN’s evolving approach in confronting both conventional and emerging security concerns.

H.E. Mr. Cheong Ming Foong, Consul General of Singapore in Mumbai, acknowledged India’s significant contributions to ASEAN’s stability. He highlighted India’s consistent backing through the Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, which, he noted, are essential in ensuring that major power tensions do not destabilize the region. “India’s continued support in promoting an ASEAN-centric regional order is vital in navigating the complexities of our geopolitical landscape,” he added.

Addressing the economic dimension of ASEAN-India relations, Mr. Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul General of Thailand in Mumbai, shared his insights on the progress and opportunities in bilateral trade. He discussed the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and its ongoing review aimed at deeper economic integration by 2025. He also emphasized enhancing physical and digital connectivity to improve trade routes and supply chains between the two regions.

H.E. Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, spoke on the critical role of people-to-people engagement in promoting environmental sustainability across Southeast Asia. He underlined the power of community-led initiatives—ranging from eco-tourism and conservation programs to youth-led climate forums and cultural exchanges—towards building a regionally shared environmental ethic. He also elaborated on ASEAN-India cooperation in education, technology, culture, and sustainable development.

The dialogue explored several strategic efforts by ASEAN nations to fortify peace, including structured diplomatic channels, maritime partnerships, and joint responses to natural disasters. Discussions also recognized energy security as a pressing priority equal in importance to traditional security frameworks.

Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director of WeSchool, highlighted the potential of collaborative efforts between ASEAN startups and Indian academia. “We envision fostering research, innovation, and academic partnerships that bridge ASEAN enterprises with Indian students. By integrating global innovation, we can create a platform for cultural and intellectual synergy,” he said.

The round table concluded with a shared optimism that ASEAN-India collaboration holds immense promise in shaping a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future for the region. The event not only celebrated ASEAN’s legacy but also laid the groundwork for deeper partnerships that transcend borders and disciplines.