Summitry in the East and India’s Asean ambitions

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Recently, the 18th India-ASEAN summit and 16th East Asia Summit has occurred.

Over the last few days two major summits, ASEAN summit and East Asia Summit (EAS), were held. These Summits and their declarations highlighted the changing geopolitical scenario of the region and the world.

Southeast Asia is emerging as the new geopolitical hotspot with the intensifying rivalry of China and the USA. India has to navigate tactfully to secure its interest in the region.

What are the initiatives adopted by various countries in the ASEAN region?

USA: 1. Announced $100 million initiative to boost investments in healthcare, climate change and economic recovery. 2) Criticized China’s record on human rights and its actions in Taiwan.

China: 1. Announced $3.1 million Program to purchase medical relief supplies, 2) Criticized USA for supporting pro-independence groups in Taiwan. 3) Announced a special summit to cement China – ASEAN relations.

Australia: 1) Announced $93 million economic package to fund climate change, COVID-19 relief, transnational crime and terrorism. 2) Assured its regional partners that AUKUS alliance will not hurt regional security.

India: 1. Contributed to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, resumption of vaccine exports, connectivity projects. 2) Extended 1 bn $ line of credit for physical and digital connectivity. 3) Ph.D. fellowships to ASEAN students.

What were the challenges within the group of ASEAN countries?

1) Diverse opinion between ASEAN members: Indonesia and Malaysia have expressed concern at the prospect of an evolving arms race in the region, on the other hand, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines have supported AUKUS and other such initiatives,  2) Disputed territories in the South China Sea, 3. Human rights violations in Myanmar.

What should be India’s strategy in the ASEAN region?

India can use its expertise its knowledge by Collaborating with the QUAD countries in various fields like science and technology, sustainable finance, climate change etc. India should make full use of the newly built Quad Critical Emerging Technologies grouping to develop technical standards and digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia according to its advantage.

Source: This post is based on the article “Summitry in the East and India’s ASEAN ambitions” published in Business Standard on 3rd November 2021.