Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Q4. “A fragmented ASEAN weakens not only Southeast Asian security but also the vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.” Assess the implications for India. Also outline measures to reinforce regional cooperation. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
ASEAN’s growing internal divisions amid intensifying South China Sea tensions have renewed debates on ASEAN centrality and their implications for the Indo-Pacific and India’s strategic interests.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how a fragmented ASEAN undermines Southeast Asian security and the vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. It further requires assessing the implications for India and suggesting measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce ASEAN centrality and its importance in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture.
Body
- Impact on regional security and Indo-Pacific: Explain how ASEAN fragmentation affects Southeast Asian security and the regional order.
- Implications for India: Assess the strategic, economic and diplomatic consequences for India.
- Measures to reinforce cooperation: Suggest institutional, diplomatic and maritime measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting that a cohesive ASEAN remains indispensable for a stable, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific and for advancing India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
