India – ASEAN

 Syllabus: India and its neighbourhood.

 Source:  IE

 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN nations, adding that the INDIA-ASEAN friendship was important at a time when parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions.

Recent Summit

• Host: The summit was held in Vientiane, Laos, with leaders from all 10 ASEAN member states attending.
• Key Prelims Facts:
  • 21^st ASEAN – India summit.
  • ASEAN consists of 10 nations—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos.
  • The summit focused on political stability and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically addressing issues related to the South China Sea.

Modi’s 10-Point Program:

1. ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025): India will allocate USD 5 million for joint activities promoting tourism.
2. Celebrating Act East Policy: Focus on youth summits, start-up festivals, hackathons, and cultural exchanges.
3. Women scientists conclave: Organize events under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
4. Scholarship expansion: Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and new ones for ASEAN students.
5. Trade agreement review: Plan to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
6. Disaster resilience: USD 5 million allocated for enhancing disaster resilience.
7. Health Ministers’ track: Initiate health resilience measures and cooperation.
8. Cyber policy dialogue: Regular dialogues on cybersecurity to strengthen digital resilience.
9. Workshop on green hydrogen: Focus on sustainable energy and environmental technology.
10. Plant a Tree for Mother Campaign: Inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in a green initiative to build climate resilience.

ASEAN – India Cooperation in various fields:

• Political: Collaborative frameworks on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, with initiatives like joint naval drills and anti-piracy operations to safeguard regional waters.
• Historical and cultural: Organizing annual ASEAN-India cultural exchange programs and think-tank dialogues to deepen ties and address shared historical narratives.
• Economic: Review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to streamline tariffs, boost exports, and enhance economic integration in key sectors like IT and textiles.
• Social: Launch of specific youth-centric initiatives, such as scholarships at Nalanda University, to foster educational ties and skill development among ASEAN nations.
• Defense: Increased focus on defense technology transfers, cyber defense collaborations, and joint military training exercises to enhance strategic readiness.

Limitations:

• South China sea disputes: China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea conflict directly with those of ASEAN nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, hindering regional unity.
• Myanmar crisis: ASEAN’s lack of a strong, unified stance on Myanmar’s political instability undermines its credibility in handling internal conflicts.
• Economic imbalances: Vast income and development gaps between member nations, like Singapore and Cambodia, limit cohesive economic growth strategies.
• Chinese influence: Heavy dependence on Chinese investments in infrastructure projects like ports and railways compromises ASEAN’s ability to assert its strategic autonomy.

 Conclusion:

India’s engagement with ASEAN symbolizes its commitment to a cooperative and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with ASEAN nations will help promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The 10-point program lays a solid foundation for deeper collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth.

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