“South-East Asia is central to India’s Indo-Pacific vision but peripheral in its domestic political imagination”. Discuss how this paradox shapes India’s regional influence and assess ways to bridge the gap.

Topic: India- South East Asia Q4. “South-East Asia is central to India’s Indo-Pacific vision but peripheral in its domestic political imagination”. Discuss how this paradox shapes India’s regional influence and assess ways to bridge the gap. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: The paradox between India’s high-level strategic focus on South-East …

India–ASEAN Summit 2025

Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings Source:  IE Context: Prime Minister of India virtually addressed the 22nd India–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepen cooperation in maritime security, digital inclusion, and resilient supply chains. He also announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” About India–ASEAN Summit …

What role does Singapore play in India’s Act East policy? Assess the opportunities and challenges in this engagement.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. What role does Singapore play in India’s Act East policy? Assess the opportunities and challenges in this engagement. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question India–Singapore ties were recently upgraded with new agreements in digital assets, fintech, …

What are the key strategic drivers behind the recent elevation of India–Philippines relations? Assess the role of the Indo-Pacific framework and the Act East Policy in this context.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Q4. What are the key strategic drivers behind the recent elevation of India–Philippines relations? Assess the role of the Indo-Pacific framework and the Act East Policy in this context. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The Philippines’ …

India–Philippines Strategic Partnership

Syllabus: Bilateral Relations Source:  HT Context: During the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India in August 2025, both nations signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, and space technology. About India–Philippines Strategic Partnership: Strategic Partnership Upgrade: India and the Philippines officially upgraded their bilateral ties to …

India-Philippines Naval Exercise

Source:   HT Context: India and the Philippines conducted their first-ever bilateral joint naval drill in the South China Sea, marking a significant step in maritime cooperation amid rising tensions in the region. About India-Philippines Naval Exercise: Purpose: To enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies, and to assert freedom of navigation in contested …

Northeast As India’s Development Epicentre

Context: Union Minister declared the Northeast as India’s development epicentre at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025. About Northeast as India’s Development Epicentre: What It Is? A strategic repositioning of India’s Northeast from a peripheral region to a central hub for sustainable, inclusive, and skill-driven development. Key Features: Cross-Sector Investment Summit: Focus on tourism, logistics, …

Development in India’s northeast region

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation   Source: TH  Context: The region comprising India’s eight north-eastern States is undergoing dramatic change.   Dramatic changes witnessed by the region: It has overcome several (but not all) security challenges and is …

Act East Policy:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered:  India and neighbourhood relations.   Context: A webinar was recently organised on “Act East Policy”.     What is the ‘Act East Policy’? India’s ‘Act East’ policy is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at different levels. It is considered as …