In the wake of China-US rivalry, India needs to reboot its ASEAN strategy

Synopsis: India needs a comprehensive effort to promote a better India-ASEAN relations.

Introduction

Indian PM in the recent ASEAN Summit extended his support for the centrality of ASEAN and also to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

India and ASEAN relations

What are the challenges in India ASEAN relations?

1. Caught between the rivalry of China and the USA in the Indo-Pacific. 2. ASEAN nations are worried about India joining QUAD as it impacts ASEAN centrality. 3. India’s withdrawal from RCEP and 4. India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is seen as economic inwardness by ASEAN countries, instead of open trade.

ASEAN-India relations are an important pillar of Indo-Pacific. Thus, India should need to build its narrative strongly and convey the same to the members of ASEAN.

Source: This post is based on the article ” In the wake of China-US rivalry, India needs to reboot its ASEAN strategy” published in the Indian Express on 1st November 2021.