Considering the work of the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group (AIEPG), and its Report with recommendations for forging a closer partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity, the Heads of the State/Government of ASEAN and India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit 2012, held at New Delhi on 19-20 December 2012, recommended the establishment of ASEAN India Centre (AIC) using existing resources at New Delhi. AIC was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of the Government of India at RIS on 21 June 2013.
The AIC is serving as a resource centre for ASEAN Member States and India to fill the knowledge gaps that currently limit the opportunities for cooperation. The AIC is closely working with both the ASEAN Divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) to undertake and disseminate policy research and provide analytical policy recommendations.
Overall objective of AIC is to strengthen India’s partnership with ASEAN in its realization of the ASEAN Community by 2015, comprising the three pillars: ASEAN Political Security Community; the ASEAN Economic Community; and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The AIC undertakes regular networking activities with relevant organizations and think-tanks in India and ASEAN Member States, with the aim of providing up-to-date information, data resources and sustained interaction to promote the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership (AISP).
The AIC assists in the implementation of the ASEAN-India connectivity agenda, apart from promoting ASEAN-India cooperation in the interlinked areas of water, energy, food security, etc.
To achieve the goals of AISP, AIC has adopted a three-pronged strategy to assist MEA in defining the contours of the AISP. AIC has been producing high quality research and analysis on various aspects of regional economic cooperation and integration related issues. Its research agenda has been developed in close consultation with research institutions and policy makers, for effective implementation of AISP objectives. AIC research and activities have been disseminated through various means, including a dedicated website, an online regional database, a working paper and a policy brief series, newsletters and other publications. More importantly, AIC thematic works provides both the research institutions and policy makers with an opportunity to exchange information, share ideas, and review and refine research findings.