How ASEAN Media Portrays India: Insights into the Construction of Media Text

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This research paper analyses the media landscapes of ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, and explores the interplay between political structures, economic interests, and regulatory frameworks. Despite political changes in the region, media freedom in Southeast Asia remains precarious. The study reveals that Southeast Asian newspapers heavily depend on external sources for their portrayal of India, often resulting in superficial narratives. A significant portion of negative coverage originates from international news agencies, raising concerns about objectivity and balance. This reliance on external sources has led to a skewed representation, with a majority of headlines presenting India in a negative or apprehensive light, reflecting a broader imbalance in global information flow that favours Western perspectives. The research calls for more in-depth local reporting and a critical examination of media representation within the contexts of political economy and foreign policy. The findings underscore the need for diverse news sources to foster accurate public perceptions and more informed international relations.

About the Author

Dr. Om Prakash Das is a Research Fellow at the Southeast Asia & Oceania Centre of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. His research focuses on strategic communication, Myanmar-India relations, and Southeast Asian geopolitics. He earned his Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Dr. Das has nearly 18 years of broadcast journalism experience, specializing in defense, international relations, and national security. He has authored research papers in national & international journals, and writes columns on media trends, geopolitics, and defense strategies. He also contributes to national publications, writing columns, opinion editorials, and blogs on various subjects, including media trends, advancements in media technology, geopolitical dynamics, and defense strategies.