Hindu Editorial Analysis : 8-September-2023
The recent 20th ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta highlighted the central role that ASEAN plays in India’s Act East Policy. India’s Prime Minister underscored India’s unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and its Indo-Pacific outlook. In this essay, we will delve into the formation and development of ASEAN, India’s relationship with the organization, and the crucial significance of ASEAN for India.
Formation and Growth of ASEAN
- Inception: ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was born on August 8, 1967, when the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand came together in Bangkok to sign the ASEAN Declaration.
- Expanding Membership: Over subsequent decades, ASEAN welcomed five more nations into its fold: Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This expansion highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation.
- Founding Principles: The ASEAN Declaration set forth the group’s aspirations, emphasizing cooperation in various domains like economics, culture, education, and regional peace. It also welcomed participation from all Southeast Asian nations that subscribed to its principles.
Unity and Key Pillars of ASEAN
- Symbolism: ASEAN today stands united with its anthem, flag, and biannual summits, each hosted by a rotating chairman. Its motto, “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” underscores the emphasis on unity.
- Pillars of Cooperation: ASEAN’s framework comprises three main pillars: the Political-Security Community (APSC), the Economic Community (AEC), and the Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). These pillars serve as the foundation for regional cooperation and development.
India’s Relationship with ASEAN
- Historical Context: India’s engagement with ASEAN gained momentum in 2002 when it began holding summits with the organization. Notably, 2022 marked the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations and the 10th anniversary of India’s Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, leading to the declaration of the ASEAN-India Friendship Year.
- Trade Ties: In 2010, India and ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement, boosting economic interactions. Although India considered joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2020, it ultimately opted out. Despite challenges, trade between India and ASEAN has steadily grown.
- ASEAN Plus Six: India participates in the ASEAN Plus Six grouping, which includes China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. This arrangement fosters regional collaboration and engagement.
- Delhi Dialogue: India hosts the ‘Delhi Dialogue’ mechanism annually, serving as a vital platform for diplomatic exchange and engagement between India and ASEAN.
ASEAN’s Significance for India
- Key Mechanisms: India actively participates in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ADMM-Plus, contributing to regional peace and stability.
- Act East Policy: ASEAN holds a central position in India’s Act East Policy, which focuses on the Asia-Pacific region. Both ASEAN and India uphold values like openness, inclusiveness, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, aligning their Indo-Pacific visions.
- Maritime Cooperation: The geographical proximity of India and ASEAN countries to the Indo-Pacific region presents opportunities for enhancing maritime security, trade, and supply chain networks. Initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and To ensure Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) underscore this cooperation.
- Countering Chinese Dominance: Maritime cooperation gains significance amid China’s South China Sea advancements. Collaborative efforts with ASEAN help India bolster its position in response to China’s growing presence in the region.
Challenges Faced by ASEAN
- Shifting Power Dynamics: The assumption of China as the primary economic partner and the US as the primary security guarantor has been disrupted, leading to heightened major power rivalry, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war. These developments threaten regional stability.
- Lack of Consensus: ASEAN’s divisions on issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, US-China rivalry, the military junta in Myanmar, and China’s actions in the South China Sea risk diminishing the organization’s relevance.
Why In News
Addressing the 20th ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN holds a pivotal role within India’s Act East Policy, highlighting India’s unwavering commitment to upholding the group’s central position and shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, he stressed the need for collaborative efforts to foster greater regional stability and prosperity.
MCQs about ASEAN: India’s Vital Regional Partner
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What is the official motto of ASEAN that emphasizes unity?
A. One Direction, One Identity, One Community
B. One Vision, One Identity, One Community
C. One World, One Identity, One Unity
D. One Alliance, One Vision, One Prosperity
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What key concept underlines the Indo-Pacific vision shared by ASEAN and India?
A. Isolationism
B. Openness and inclusiveness
C. Regional rivalry
D. Military dominance
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Which ASEAN-led mechanism does India actively participate in for regional peace and stability?
A. BRICS Summit
B. East Asia Summit
C. G7 Summit
D. European Union Summit
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