Topic –India and its neighborhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
4)If the idea of Asia drew Delhi and Jakarta close in the 1950s, it might well be the Indo-Pacific that will provide the framework for long overdue strategic re-engagement. Comment.(250 words)
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to trace the evolution of India-Indonesia relationship- how it started and how it progressed. It then wants us to highlight the present situation which shows the importance/ role of the Indo-pacific in strengthening the relationship.
Directive word
Comment- We have to present our opinion on the key demand of the question. We have to backup our opinion with necessary facts/ arguments/ examples.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Mention the common colonial oppression faced by the two countries and their common views on colonialism which ultimately led to Bandung conference, an important step towards Non-Alignment.
Body–
- Discuss the issues which led India and Indonesia ignore the relationship.
E.g India-Russia partnership vs Indonesia-US partnership, No shared land border, India’s concentration its northern and western borders neglecting seas, Rise of ASEAN etc.
- Discuss the factor which demands strengthening of the relationship.
E.g rise in economic and population size, dilution of NAM, growing importance of maritime trade and movement, growing contestation over Indo-Pacific region etc.
Conclusion- Briefly discuss further the importance of Indo-Pacific region for both the countries.
