The features are:
- Focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region, gaining political, strategic, and cultural dimensions.
- Emphasis on India-ASEAN cooperation in domestic agenda (infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, skills, urban renewal, smart cities, Make in India).
- Objective to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationship through continuous engagement.
- North East of India as a priority, providing an interface with the ASEAN region.
- Energizing Buddhist and Hindu links on the civilizational front.
- Special efforts to develop a coherent strategy for linking ASEAN with North East India on connectivity.
- Stepped up economic engagement with ASEAN, with the ASEAN-India Agreement on Trade in Service and Investments in force since July 1, 2015.
- Increased convergence on security interests with key partners (combating terrorism, regional peace/stability, maritime security).