Date : 11/09/2023

Relevance: GS Paper2 - International Relations - Impact of regional grouping and agreement on India

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), SAGAR, Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, Act East Policy

Context-

During the 20th ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized the pivotal role of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy and reaffirmed India's wholehearted support for ASEAN's centrality and its Indo-Pacific vision.

Background on ASEAN:

• ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, through the ASEAN Declaration by five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. This historic declaration laid the foundation for regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
• In the following years, five more nations joined ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, expanding its geographical reach and influence.
• The ASEAN Declaration expressed the member states' aspirations for regional cooperation across various dimensions, including economic integration, cultural exchange, technical collaboration, educational advancement, and the promotion of regional peace and stability. It also emphasized adherence to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
• To symbolize unity, ASEAN adopted an anthem, flag, and biannual summits, with the chairmanship rotating among member states. The motto "One Vision, One Identity, One Community" reflects their commitment to a shared vision.
• ASEAN's cooperative framework is built upon three key pillars: the Political-Security Community (APSC), focusing on political stability and security; the Economic Community (AEC), promoting economic integration; and the Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), addressing cultural and social cooperation.

India's Engagement with ASEAN:

• The commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations and the 10th anniversary of India's Strategic Partnership with ASEAN in 2022 marked a significant milestone in their relations, leading to the designation of the year as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year.
• India and ASEAN began holding joint summits in 2002, highlighting India's deepening engagement with the regional bloc.
• The signing and implementation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2010 between India and ASEAN have facilitated increased trade and economic cooperation.
• India's participation in the ASEAN Plus Six grouping, which includes China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia, underscores the country's commitment to regional stability and economic prosperity.
• The 'Delhi Dialogue' mechanism, hosted by India and inaugurated jointly by India and ASEAN at the Foreign Minister's level, serves as a crucial Track 1.5 mechanism for engagement, promoting dialogue on various regional issues.

Significance of ASEAN for India

• ASEAN occupies a central position in India's Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen its ties with the extended Asia-Pacific region.
• Both ASEAN and India share common principles in the Indo-Pacific, including the importance of openness, inclusiveness, adherence to a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and peaceful dispute resolution.
• The geographical proximity of India, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and ASEAN's presence in the Indo-Pacific waters create substantial opportunities for collaborative efforts in maritime security, trade, and supply chain networks.
• India actively collaborates with ASEAN through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and To ensure Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to promote regional stability and economic growth.
• India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) with select ASEAN members further enhances economic cooperation.

Initiatives for Enhanced Connectivity:

• Establishment of the Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link, facilitating rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh.
• Promotion of intermodal transport connections and inland waterways development through Bangladesh.
• Implementation of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway Project, connecting India's North East with Myanmar and Thailand.
• Execution of projects such as road and bridge construction and the modernization of hydro-electric power facilities under the India-Japan Act East Forum.
• The India-Japan Act East Forum was founded in 2017, with the objective of creating a platform for collaboration between India and Japan within the framework of India's "Act East Policy" and Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy."
• The Forum's primary focus is to pinpoint specific projects aimed at the economic advancement of India's North-East region, including those related to enhancing connectivity, developing essential infrastructure, fostering industrial ties, and promoting people-to-people interactions through tourism, culture, and sports-related activities.

Challenges Facing ASEAN:

• The traditional balance in ASEAN, where China played a predominant economic role and the US provided security assurances, has become more complex due to recent global developments such as the Russia-Ukraine war. This shift in dynamics has implications for regional stability.
• ASEAN's internal divisions and differing approaches to critical issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US-China rivalry, the Myanmar military junta, and China's activities in the South China Sea, have hampered its ability to forge a united front.

The Way Ahead for India and ASEAN:

• India must intensify its engagements in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its relevance in an area crucial for the stability and prosperity of the region.
• Prioritizing trade and connectivity initiatives will be essential for strengthening India's presence and influence within ASEAN.
• Developing strong bilateral partnerships with like-minded ASEAN member states can be a strategic approach while ASEAN continues to work towards internal cohesion and consensus-building on critical regional and global issues.
• Comprehensive and sustained engagement will be key to ensuring the continued growth of India-ASEAN relations and the promotion of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's reaffirmation of ASEAN as the central pillar of its Act East Policy underscores the importance of this regional partnership. However, ASEAN faces challenges in maintaining stability and unity amid major power rivalries. India must focus on enhancing trade, connectivity, and bilateral partnerships to remain relevant in the dynamic Indo-Pacific region. Collaboration with ASEAN is not only central to India's strategic interests but also vital for regional peace, prosperity, and security.

Source - The Indian Express