Significance of India’s PM recent visit to Brunei and Singapore

Source: The post significance of India’s PM recent visit to Brunei and Singapore has been created, based on the article “Periodic reset: India needs to engage with ASEAN consistently on trade and security” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Brunei and Singapore, emphasizing India’s renewed focus on its “Act East” policy. It highlights India’s trade and strategic goals with ASEAN countries, stressing the need for stronger partnerships and regional engagement.

For detailed information on India-ASEAN Relations- Cooperation and Challenges read this article here

What is the Significance of Prime Minister Modi’s Recent Visits to Brunei and Singapore?

1. Reviving “Act East” Policy: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brunei and Singapore emphasizes India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, which aligns with the “Act East” policy initiated in 2014.
2. Strategic and Defense Discussions: In Brunei, Modi’s discussions on defense and geo-strategic issues signal a push to enhance security cooperation. Renewing space collaboration with the hosting of an ISRO station in Brunei underscores this effort.
3. Economic Partnerships: Modi’s focus in Singapore on the semiconductor industry aims to leverage Singapore’s capabilities to boost India’s technological infrastructure. This partnership could mitigate risks associated with U.S.-China tensions and enhance India’s production capabilities.

What Are the Challenges and Expectations?

1. Challenges
2. Declining Trade with Brunei: India’s trade with Brunei has declined, especially since India increased its oil imports from Russia in 2022.
3. Lack of Strategic Partnership: India and Brunei do not have a strategic partnership, even though both nations discussed defense and geo-strategic issues.
4. India’s Exit from RCEP: India’s withdrawal from the ASEAN-led RCEP in 2019 has hindered its engagement with the region, excluding it from a large regional trade agreement.
5. Expectations
6. Renewed Space Cooperation: India and Brunei renewed their space cooperation with ISRO’s presence in Brunei.
7. Improved Semiconductor Ties: Singapore and India are expected to enhance semiconductor cooperation to offset growing costs and de-risk from U.S.-China tensions.
8. Updated Trade Agreements: India is expected to update its trade agreements, like the 2009 AITIGA and the 2005 CECA with Singapore, to strengthen economic ties.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s recent visits to Brunei and Singapore in relation to India’s “Act East” policy and regional cooperation.