The 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) that recently occurred in Jakarta, Indonesia have been platforms for India’s Prime Minister to bolster relationships with ASEAN nations. The focus was to enhance commitment towards an open, free, and rules-bound Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights of the 20th ASEAN-India Summit
At the summit, India’s PM presented a 12-point proposal aimed at boosting India–ASEAN cooperation. The areas of focus included connectivity enhancement, digital transformation, trade and economic engagement, addressing contemporary challenges, promoting people-to-people contact, and deepening strategic involvement.
Parts of the proposal were the establishment of multi-modal connectivity and an economic corridor linking South-East Asia-India-West Asia-Europe. The PM offered to share India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners and announced an ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future. The emphasis was on cooperation in digital transformation and financial connectivity.
Furthermore, he called for a collective fight against terrorism and terror financing, invited ASEAN countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and advocated for enhanced cooperation on maritime safety and security.
About the ASEAN
The ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, with the aim of promoting stability and economic growth in the region. It ranks among the largest economies worldwide and is projected to be the 4th-largest by 2050.
The members of ASEAN include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Key Highlights of the 18th East Asia Summit
At this summit, the PM reiterated India’s support for ASEAN centrality and commitment to ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Discussions on the cooperative approach of the Quad’s vision and global challenges like terrorism, climate change, and resilient supply chains also occurred. India’s contributions to climate change initiatives were also highlighted.
About the East Asia Summit
Formed in 2005, the East Asia Summit is an ASEAN-led initiative and the only Indo-Pacific forum that brings together key partners for strategizing on political, security, and economic issues. It operates on principles such as openness, inclusiveness, respect for international law, and ASEAN centrality.
Members of the EAS include the 10 ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
India and East Asia Summit
Being a founding member of the EAS, India has consistently participated in its meetings and activities. The EAS platform is considered key towards enhancing India’s Act East Policy and bolstering its strategic partnership with the ASEAN and regional countries.
India had unveiled its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019, geared toward establishing partnerships for a secure and stable maritime domain. In fields like disaster management, renewable energy, education, health, connectivity, maritime security, and counterterrorism, India has made significant contributions to EAS cooperation.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
Several past examination questions relate to India’s engagement with ASEAN and EAS, ranging from ASEAN’s free-trade partners to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. This highlights the importance of understanding the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
