HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 135 : Model Answer

QUESTION: Describe the changing nature of India-ASEAN relations. (4 marks/ 60 words)

Answer:
The relationship has evolved from the ‘Look East Policy’ enunciated in early 1990s which led India to become a Sectoral Partner of ASEAN in 1992, a Dialogue Partner in 1996 and a Summit-level Partner in 2002 and Strategic Partner in 2012. India- ASEAN Free trade Agreement in Goods was also concluded in 2009. Currently, India is also an active participant of several forums like ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting + (ADMM+) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).

The Act East policy (4C’s of Act East Policy Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, Capacity building) and convergence of interests of India and ASEAN in Indo-Pacific Regions, (As both sides favours Rule based order in Indo-Pacific Region) has strengthened their relations. Cooperation between India and ASEAN is crucial to counter China’s power projection in the region. Also, increasing engagement with ASEAN is pivotal to facilitate India’s integration with regional and global supply chain movements. Several projects on people-to-people connectivity are held annually to increase interaction between India and ASEAN Community like Students Exchange Programme, Exchange of Parliamentarians etc

India’s pulling out of the RCEP deal and Trade deficit shows the limitations of the ties with the ASEAN nations.