# India strategic engagement in East and Southeast Asia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-strategic-engagement-in-east-and-southeast-asia > Updated: 2026-08-13T14:30:40.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. India is strengthening its strategic, economic, and military ties across East and Southeast Asia. Economically, India has expanded cooperation with nations such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, focusing on emerging technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This includes leveraging the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with South Korea and addressing regional labor shortages through increased mobility for Indian students and tech workers. In the defense sector, India is pursuing significant military modernization and regional engagement. The Ministry of Defence has initiated a 9 billion euro tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft, emphasizing local assembly through partnerships with Indian industries. Furthermore, India is advancing its ‘Act East’ policy through military exercises in Southeast Asia, including air force drills in Malaysia and scheduled army deployments to Thailand. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: India expands military reach through aircraft procurement and Southeast Asian drills India is advancing its Act East policy through a 9 billion euro tender for 60 transport aircraft and increased military exercises with Malaysia and Thailand. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-expands-military-reach-through-aircraft-procurement-and-southeast-asian-drills ### 2026-08-10: India expands strategic ties with East and Southeast Asian nations India is expanding strategic ties with East and Southeast Asian nations, focusing on semiconductor technology, supply chain resilience, and enhanced educational and cultural exchanges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-expands-strategic-ties-with-east-and-southeast-asian-nations --- Cite as: India strategic engagement in East and Southeast Asia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-strategic-engagement-in-east-and-southeast-asia