India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region

Source: The post India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region has been created, based on the article “India’s East Asia outreach shows its centrality to regional stability” published in “Live mints” on 15th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relation – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region, despite low recognition of its influence there. It highlights India’s strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on maritime security and cooperation under international laws like UNCLOS. India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region

For details information on India’s Act East Policy read here

How significant are India’s ties with Southeast Asia?

Historical and Cultural Connections: India’s ties with Southeast Asia are rooted in centuries of cultural and religious exchanges, with historical trade routes spreading Indian civilization across the region.

Economic Integration: The economic relationship has strengthened significantly, with ASEAN being India’s fourth-largest trading partner. The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement has facilitated greater trade liberalization.

For more information on ASEAN read here

Strategic Partnerships and Security: India has deepened security cooperation with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, focusing on areas such as counterterrorism and maritime surveillance.
Act East Policy: This policy exemplifies India’s strategic emphasis on Southeast Asia, aiming to enhance economic, cultural, and strategic ties. It underscores India’s commitment to actively engage with the region, seen in infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

What role does India play in regional security?

Promoting Peaceful Resolutions: India supports resolving maritime disputes, especially in the South China Sea, according to international laws like UNCLOS, emphasizing peaceful methods.

For more information on UNCLOS read here

Freedom of Navigation: India underscores the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, critical for global maritime trade routes.

Security Partnerships: India has formed strategic partnerships with nations such as Vietnam and the Philippines, focusing on enhancing defense technology, counterterrorism efforts, and maritime surveillance.

Regional Forums Participation: India actively participates in regional forums like the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum to further its outreach and cooperation in regional security issues.

What challenges does India face in the region?

Limited Political Influence: Despite historical and cultural ties, a survey by the ASEAN Studies Centre revealed that only 0.4% view India as having significant political and strategic influence in Southeast Asia.

Internal Divisions within ASEAN: ASEAN’s challenges in forming a unified stance, especially against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, hinder effective regional cooperation.

Strategic Alignment with Regional Players: India’s efforts to enhance its role are contingent upon the strategic choices of Southeast Asian countries, affecting the depth and effectiveness of its engagements in the region.

Questions for practice:

Evaluate India’s role in promoting regional security in Southeast Asia, considering its historical ties, economic integration, strategic partnerships, and challenges it faces.