The Union Minister of State for Power recently attended the 15th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting. The central theme of the meeting was “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” in an effort to unite the goals of all ASEAN countries towards energy security and energy transition. India has reiterated its commitment to remain engaged with the region, emphasizing the cruciality of the ASEAN in the country’s ‘Act East’ policy, which strongly aligns with the Indo-Pacific vision.
Exploring the Aims and Outcomes of the Meeting
The goal of the 15th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting was to enrich the collaboration of ASEAN nations in achieving energy security and transitioning to renewable sources that would boost the welfare of their populations. Indian representatives confirmed the significant role that the ASEAN region plays in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and strategy. This policy underlines the importance of eastward engagement in India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision. The delegates also presented a brief overview of the Indian energy transition plans, policies, and challenges as well as ongoing efforts towards decarbonisation.
Highlighting Indian Green Initiatives
India has implemented several initiatives to achieve its energy transition goals and minimize carbon emissions. Notable plans include the National Solar Mission (NSM), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA), and the Smart City Mission (SCM).
The East Asia Summit: A Detailed Insight
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a powerful forum established in 2005, comprising of 18 regional leaders who collaborate on prominent political, economic, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Energized by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad in 1991, EAS targets six priority areas: environment and energy, education, finance, global health issues and pandemic diseases, natural disaster management, and ASEAN connectivity.
Member Nations and EAS Structure
The EAS comprises 10 ASEAN member states along with eight other nations which include Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the USA. The forum is chaired exclusively by an ASEAN member nation, with Brunei Darussalam currently holding the chair for 2021.
EAS Meetings and Processes
The annual EAS Leaders’ Summit forms the highlight of the EAS calendar and is usually held in conjunction with ASEAN Leaders’ meetings in the fourth quarter of every year. Annual meetings between EAS Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers are also organized.
India and Its Association with the EAS
India is a founding member of the East Asia Summit. During the Summit in Bangkok in November 2019, India revealed its ambitious Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), aimed at building partnerships to establish a secure and stable maritime domain.
Other Associated Groupings
ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) are other significant bodies connected to the ASEAN and EAS. The ADMM-Plus includes the Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries along with eight dialogue partners. Similarly, the ARF, established in 1994, is an essential platform for security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, featuring 27 members.
