ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations

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Why in News?

India and ASEAN officials start talks to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) amid concerns over rising U.S. tariffs and trade deficits. India aims to fast-track negotiations and enhance trade relations with ASEAN countries.

Description:

  • Established: 8 August 1967 (Bangkok Declaration)
  • Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
  • Current Members (10): Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
  • Motto: One Vision, One Identity, One Community
  • Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Population: ~662 million (2022)
  • GDP: ~$3.2 trillion (2022)

Institutional Mechanism:

  • ASEAN Summit: Annual, sets policy direction
  • ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): Oversees implementation of agreements
  • ASEAN Secretariat: Facilitates activities
  • ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Political & security cooperation platform
  • Decision-making: By consultation and consensus

Fundamental Principles (as per Treaty of Amity & Cooperation – TAC, 1976):

  1. Mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, national identity
  2. Right to lead national existence free from external interference
  3. Non-interference in internal affairs
  4. Peaceful settlement of disputes
  5. Renunciation of threat/use of force
  6. Effective cooperation among members

Strengths of ASEAN:

  • Regional stability – TAC & ARF help maintain peace
  • Economic growth – 4th largest exporter globally; manufacturing hub
  • Cultural diversity – promotes cooperation & exchange
  • Strategic location – key trade routes (e.g., Strait of Malacca)
  • Diplomatic influence – ties with USA, China, Japan; FTAs with India, Japan, China, Korea, New Zealand

India–ASEAN Relations:

Timeline of Engagement:

  • 1992: Sectoral Dialogue Partner
  • 1996: Dialogue Partner
  • 2002: Summit-level partnership
  • Annual summits since 200
ASEAN Grouping:

Importance for India:

  • Market: 3rd largest globally; ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner ($110.4 billion in 2021–22)
  • Strategic: Central to Act East Policy & Indo-Pacific Vision
  • Counterbalance to China in the region
  • Connectivity: IMT Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Multimodal Project
  • Rule-based Indo-Pacific order: ASEAN centrality supports SAGAR vision

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