DPG Policy Brief
Russia Revives Stakes in Southeast Asia
Authors Arshiya Chaturvedi
Date: April 17, 2025
Southeast Asia today is drawing greater geopolitical attention given its growing economic and strategic relevance. As a result, several global powers are competing to establish their foothold and expand their influence in the region to further their strategic objectives.
One such power is Russia, which has recently intensified its efforts to engage with the ASEAN states of Southeast Asia. Having experienced a sharp decline in its role as a security partner in the region, Russia is now reviving a more comprehensive strategic engagement, targeting multiple sectors to rebuild and expand its presence and influence.
The author outlines various points of convergence in strategic interests between Russia and Southeast Asian nations that provide the basis for Russia to regain its stakes in the highly competitive geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia. She highlights Russia’s strategic advantage in the energy sector, particularly in light of Southeast Asia’s ever-growing energy demand, as well as its continued relevance as a provider of defence equipment.
Among Russia’s recent overtures towards the region, its outreach to Myanmar stands out, marked by agreements to collaborate across a wide range of sectors including, trade, energy, defence, education, and health, to support the country’s broader development. Russia is also actively engaging other ASEAN states, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, on initiatives for civilian nuclear energy cooperation and enhanced defence partnerships.
Finally, the author also underscores the limitations that Russia faces in successfully implementing this proactive foreign policy strategy in Southeast Asia, not least due to the national strain caused by the prolonged war in Ukraine.
To read this DPG Policy Brief Vol. X, Issue 15, please click "Russia Revives Stakes in Southeast Asia”.
One such power is Russia, which has recently intensified its efforts to engage with the ASEAN states of Southeast Asia. Having experienced a sharp decline in its role as a security partner in the region, Russia is now reviving a more comprehensive strategic engagement, targeting multiple sectors to rebuild and expand its presence and influence.
The author outlines various points of convergence in strategic interests between Russia and Southeast Asian nations that provide the basis for Russia to regain its stakes in the highly competitive geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia. She highlights Russia’s strategic advantage in the energy sector, particularly in light of Southeast Asia’s ever-growing energy demand, as well as its continued relevance as a provider of defence equipment.
Among Russia’s recent overtures towards the region, its outreach to Myanmar stands out, marked by agreements to collaborate across a wide range of sectors including, trade, energy, defence, education, and health, to support the country’s broader development. Russia is also actively engaging other ASEAN states, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, on initiatives for civilian nuclear energy cooperation and enhanced defence partnerships.
Finally, the author also underscores the limitations that Russia faces in successfully implementing this proactive foreign policy strategy in Southeast Asia, not least due to the national strain caused by the prolonged war in Ukraine.
To read this DPG Policy Brief Vol. X, Issue 15, please click "Russia Revives Stakes in Southeast Asia”.
