Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: International Institutions, Issue: East Asia Summit (EAS).
Context:
India’s growing role as a stable, reliable partner for ASEAN amid global geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and China.
Key Highlights:
What is the East Asia Summit (EAS)?
- Establishment: The EAS was established in 2005 as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led initiative.
- The EAS is the only leader-led forum in the Indo-Pacific that brings together all key partners to discuss political, security and economic issues of strategic importance.
- The idea of an East Asia Grouping was first proposed by then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in 1991.
- The first summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 14th December 2005.
- Objectives: The EAS operates on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, respect for international law, ASEAN centrality, and ASEAN’s role as the driving force.
- Members: The EAS is a key forum for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region, involving 18 countries, including ASEAN members.
- Strengthening Ties under PM Modi
Expanded Engagement:
- Increased cooperation in trade, connectivity, maritime security, and capacity-building with individual ASEAN nations.
Inclusivity in Indo-Pacific Vision: At the Shangri-La Dialogue (2018), Modi described ASEAN as central to India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
- Advocated for a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIIP), differing from purely military groupings.
Symbolic Milestones:
- 2017: 25 years of dialogue partnership celebrated.
- 2018: All 10 ASEAN leaders attended India’s Republic Day parade a first.
- 2022: Partnership elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Geopolitical Context: Shifting Power Balancing
Amid global instability, ASEAN seeks reliable partners. With its democratic values and inclusive Indo-Pacific vision, India emerges as a stabilizing force, fostering strategic, economic, and regional cooperation for a multipolar Asia.
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