AIR- India-ASEAN Cooperation for Peace, Prosperity and Regional Stability | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

ASEAN's Role in the Indo-Pacific

• Emphasizing ASEAN Unity: Prime Minister Modi consistently highlights the importance of ASEAN unity in his speeches, stressing that it is crucial for the region's stability. He positions ASEAN at the core of the new Indo-Pacific framework.
• Importance of ASEAN Centrality: India underscores the centrality and unity of ASEAN in maintaining a rules-based order and securing the region. A unified ASEAN, supported by major powers, can effectively counter China's expansionist ambitions.
• Countering China's Expansionism: A united ASEAN, backed by major powers like India, the US, and Japan, can serve as a deterrent to China's expansionist tendencies. This collective strength can compel China to focus more on issues in the South China Sea rather than extending its influence into the Indian Ocean.
• Enhancing Connectivity and Development: Collaboration among India, the US, Japan, and ASEAN nations in building infrastructure and providing development assistance can prevent these countries from falling under Chinese influence. Initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project demonstrate efforts to improve connectivity in the region.

India-ASEAN Relations

• Trade and Investment: India's engagement with ASEAN includes Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in goods and services, resulting in increased trade and investment. India's investment in ASEAN exceeds $40 billion, and bilateral trade stands at $65.04 billion, accounting for over 10% of India's total trade.
• Connectivity Initiatives: India is actively involved in enhancing connectivity through projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project, aiming to strengthen land, water, and air connectivity in the region.
• Security Cooperation: ASEAN provides a platform for India to address non-traditional security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), such as piracy, illegal migration, and maritime terrorism. India's participation in forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has led to diplomatic successes, including isolating Pakistan during conflicts.

Act East Policy (AEP)

• Strategic Dimensions: India's Act East Policy extends beyond economic goals to encompass political, strategic, and cultural dimensions. It aims to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Multilateral Engagement: India actively participates in ASEAN-led forums like the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus, and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It also engages with other regional groupings like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation.
• Partnerships and Alliances: India's AEP strengthens partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Mongolia. It aligns with the US pivot to Asia to counterbalance China's assertiveness and foster balanced relations.
• Expansion of Geographical Coverage: The AEP extends beyond ASEAN to include other countries and regions like Japan, Australia, the Pacific Islands, South Korea, and Mongolia, expanding India's strategic footprint in the region.

Further Strengthening India-ASEAN Relations

• Compensating for the Loss of the US Market: ASEAN nations, facing a potential loss of the US market, can tap into India's growing domestic demand, driven by the expanding middle class. This presents an opportunity for deeper economic cooperation between India and ASEAN.
• Addressing Security Challenges: Both ASEAN and India confront significant security threats, particularly terrorism. Collaborating on security issues is imperative for fostering peace and stability in the region, aligning with the mutual interests of both parties.
• Perceiving India as a Strategic Partner: With the withdrawal of US troops from strategic positions, ASEAN nations view India, boasting the largest naval forces in the Indian Ocean and nuclear capabilities, as a key strategic partner. India's presence can help balance China's increasing influence in the region.
• Leveraging Demographic Dividends: India's demographic dividend, with a higher share of the working-age population, aligns with East Asia's shift towards a lower share of working-age individuals. This demographic synergy presents an opportunity for India to serve as a valuable human resource base for East Asia.
• Exploring Complementary Strengths: India's prowess in services complements East Asia's specialization in manufacturing, offering the potential for a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Leveraging these complementary strengths could lead to enhanced collaboration in various sectors.
• Supporting ASEAN's Initiatives: India has welcomed ASEAN's Indo-Pacific document and is actively advocating for the early conclusion of a code of conduct on the South China Sea by ASEAN and China. This demonstrates India's commitment to regional peace and stability.

Conclusion

Given the region's increasing significance in global politics, enhancing relations with ASEAN across all domains is imperative for India's aspirations to be a regional power. Continued efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN are crucial for India to effectively navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and advance its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.