27 March 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC

Topic: GS2 – International Relations.

The topic underscores India’s maritime diplomacy, environmental stewardship, and bilateral cooperation, relevant for UPSC’s international relations and governance segments.

● Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar visits Manila Bay, Philippines, showcasing pollution response capabilities and fostering bilateral ties with ASEAN nations.

●    It includes pollution control demonstrations and involves NCC cadets in beach cleanup initiatives, aiming to enhance maritime cooperation and environmental stewardship.

● The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising ten Southeast Asian countries.

●  Founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, its members include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Cambodia.

●ASEAN aims to promote regional peace, stability, economic growth, and socio-cultural development through cooperation and dialogue.

●Its key principles include mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful dispute resolution, and cooperation for mutual benefit.

●  ASEAN has established various frameworks and mechanisms such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) to enhance regional integration and cooperation.

●  The ASEAN Summit is the organization’s highest decision-making body, where member states discuss and coordinate regional policies and initiatives.

● ASEAN has developed partnerships and dialogue mechanisms with major powers and regional organizations, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

●The organization addresses various regional challenges, including territorial disputes, transnational crime, terrorism, natural disasters, and environmental issues.

●  ASEAN promotes intra-regional trade and economic cooperation through initiatives such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and regional economic integration efforts.

●  It plays a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia and fostering regional cooperation in various fields.

Significance for India:

● India’s Act East Policy emphasizes deepening engagement with ASEAN, given its strategic location and economic potential.

●   ASEAN is India’s one of the most significant trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching billions of dollars annually.

●  Strengthening ties with ASEAN enhances India’s regional influence and provides access to Southeast Asian markets.

●     Cooperation with ASEAN nations fosters connectivity, promotes economic growth, and facilitates people-to-people exchanges.

●   India’s membership in ASEAN-led forums like the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum strengthens its regional security architecture.

Challenges:

● Limited physical connectivity and infrastructure pose barriers to trade and investment flows between India and ASEAN.

●  Non-tariff barriers and bureaucratic hurdles hinder seamless economic integration.

● Competition from other regional powers like China and Japan challenges India’s influence in ASEAN.

●  Historical and territorial disputes among ASEAN members complicate regional cooperation and unity.

●   Socio-cultural differences and language barriers impede closer people-to-people ties.

Way Forward:

● Enhance physical and digital connectivity through infrastructure development and the promotion of digital initiatives.

●   Negotiate comprehensive free trade agreements to reduce trade barriers and promote economic integration.

●   Strengthen maritime cooperation to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

●   Increase cultural exchanges and educational programs to deepen mutual understanding and trust.

●   Leverage ASEAN-led platforms to address regional challenges and promote multilateral cooperation.

●  Diversify and deepen engagement with ASEAN countries beyond economic ties to include strategic, security, and socio-cultural dimensions.