It was recently reported that India participated in the 17th ASEAN-India Virtual Summit, which had been organised by Vietnam, the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit primarily focused on identifying measures to recover from the economic turmoil brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and exploring ways to expand strategic ties.
ASEAN’s Centrality in India’s Policies
Amid aggressive moves by China, such as the Ladakh standoff, India has put the ASEAN at the heart of its Act East policy. According to India, a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is crucial for security and growth in the region. In terms of India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Vision, India emphasised on strengthening the convergence between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific. This would facilitate a free, open, inclusive and rules-based region.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and India’s Stand
Despite its exit from the 15-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in 2019, India is exploring ways to increase trade. It must be noted that this free trade agreement, expected to be signed soon, includes China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the ASEAN Members. However, experts have warned that once the RCEP is adopted, trade between RCEP nations will assume primacy, potentially affecting trade ties with other countries including India.
South China Sea and Upholding International Law
The importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea, and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight was affirmed. The significance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was noted.
Tackling the Covid-19 Pandemic and Strengthening Cooperation
India praised ASEAN’s initiatives to combat the pandemic and announced a donation of USD 1 million to the Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund. The importance of cooperation and regular exchanges in traditional medicines, as a source of healthy and holistic living, was also emphasised.
Trade, Investment and Connectivity for Economic Recovery
For post-Covid-19 economic recovery, India highlighted the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains. It called for a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which has been pending for a long time. Furthermore, the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity was underscored with India reiterating its offer of a USD 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN connectivity.
ASEAN’s Recognition of India’s Significance
ASEAN acknowledged India’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region and its support to ASEAN centrality. The adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025 was welcomed. India’s capacity-building initiatives, including the PhD Fellowship Programme at IITs and establishment of Centres for Excellence in Software Development and Training, were also recognised.
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
ASEAN is a regional group that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation. Founded on 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, it consists of ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a total population of 650 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion, ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner with about USD 86.9 billion in trade.
The Way Forward with ASEAN-India Partnership
A cohesive and responsive ASEAN is imperative for security and growth in the region. Strengthening the connection between India and ASEAN across various aspects, including economic, social, digital, financial, and maritime, is a crucial priority. With shared geographical, historical and civilisational ties, the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership stands on a firm foundation. A successful summit with ASEAN leaders and fruitful exchange will further reinforce this relationship.
