ISAS Insights

Connectivity infrastructure has been crucial to enhancing trade and economic relations across countries in the world. Over the two decades, economic relations between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-member states have grown considerably due, in large part, to improved land and sea connectivity. In recent times, both Indian and ASEAN leaders have been stressing on the need to improve aviation connectivity among their countries. This paper analyses passenger and freight traffic between India and ASEAN through ASEAN airlines using data from the Directorate of Civil Aviation in India. The observations and other evidence are used to reflect on the current stress on building air connectivity between India and the ASEAN-member countries, the impending implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and in facilitating tourism, trade and commerce through aviation.