Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Regional and Global Grouping, Issue: 47th ASEAN Summit.
Context:
The 47th ASEAN Summit highlighted the grouping’s rising strategic weight amid US-China rivalry. With Timor Leste joining as the 11th member, ASEAN remains vital to Indo-Pacific stability and connectivity.
Key Takeaways:
| About ASEAN: It is an inter-governmental regional organisation formed to promote political, economic, and security cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.Established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, its founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.ASEAN currently has 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia |
ASEAN is Significant for India: Strategic and Geopolitical Relevance
- The region sits at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, where 40–50% of India’s trade passes.
- ASEAN’s location gives it immense influence over sea lanes, chokepoints, and maritime security.
Stability in the Face of China’s Assertiveness:
- China’s claims over the South China Sea using the nine-dash line create instability.
- ASEAN’s territorial disputes (especially with the Philippines and Vietnam) make regional security unpredictable.
- India and ASEAN share concerns over freedom of navigation and rules-based order.
Balancing US-China Rivalry:
- The US earlier acted as ASEAN’s main security provider; China is now the biggest economic partner.
- ASEAN avoids choosing sides, opting instead for “centrality” and balanced engagement a position India supports.
Connectivity for India’s Northeast:
- Critical infrastructure projects boost India-ASEAN physical integration:
- India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project connecting India’s Northeast to Sittwe port
- Such connectivity enhances trade, tourism, and strategic outreach.
Cultural–Historical Linkages:
- Deep civilizational ties exist between India and Southeast Asia.
- These were neglected during the Cold War but revived through the Look East Policy (1992) and strengthened under Act East Policy (2014).
ASEAN Summit: Significance for India amid US-China tussle:
ASEAN’s economic strength, strategic location, and central role in the Indo-Pacific make it vital for India, especially amid U.S.– China rivalry. It offers India key avenues for connectivity, trade, stability, and strategic influence.
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