The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India’s newly announced ‘Delhi Declaration’ puts maritime security at the forefront of relations. In what has been described as “the most significant exposition of its ‘Act East’ policy,” India invited Southeast Asian heads of state as its chief guests during its recent 69th Republic Day parade. The rise of China and perceived threats to India’s interests has reinforced New Delhi’s hopes of deepening its cooperation with key regional actors, including ASEAN. The leaders of ASEAN favor a proactive role by India in Indo-Pacific region. All leaders at the just concluded ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit had urged India to play a proactive role in the Asia-Pacific region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, January 26.