Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, expressed India’s stance on the importance of a strong and unified Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in shaping the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. His remarks were made during the First ASEAN Future Forum, emphasizing India’s commitment to cooperation with ASEAN.
Importance of ASEAN
- Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s belief in ASEAN’s potential to contribute positively to the evolving Indo-Pacific regional dynamics.
- He emphasized the significance of synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IIPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP), citing it as a robust framework for cooperation.
- Addressing comprehensive security challenges was stressed as a key aspect of this cooperation.
ASEAN in India’s Policy Framework
- ASEAN was reiterated as a central component of India’s Act East policy.
- It was underscored as a crucial pillar in India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Global South Perspective
- Dr. Jaishankar advocated for greater involvement of the global south in international affairs.
- He emphasized the need for respecting and facilitating freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce by all stakeholders.
Role of QUAD
- The External Affairs Minister highlighted the consistent support of QUAD leaders for ASEAN centrality.
- He mentioned QUAD’s role in ensuring a conducive environment for ASEAN’s central position in the Indo-Pacific.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What did Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasize as crucial for shaping the Indo-Pacific regional architecture?
- a) ASEAN’s unity and strength
- b) India’s dominance in the region
- c) China’s influence in South East Asia
- d) Australia’s leadership in regional affairs
- Answer: a) ASEAN’s unity and strength
- Which initiative did Dr. Jaishankar mention in conjunction with the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP)?
- a) India’s Look East Policy
- b) ASEAN’s Maritime Security Initiative
- c) India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IIPOI)
- d) China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Answer: c) India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IIPOI)
- What role does ASEAN play in India’s broader policy framework according to Dr. Jaishankar?
- a) Peripheral importance
- b) Central component
- c) Minor consideration
- d) Irrelevant to India’s policies
- Answer: b) Central component
- What did Dr. Jaishankar advocate regarding the involvement of the global south in international affairs?
- a) Limited involvement
- b) No involvement
- c) Greater involvement
- d) Neutral stance
- Answer: c) Greater involvement
- Which group did Dr. Jaishankar mention for its consistent support for ASEAN centrality?
- a) G7
- b) BRICS
- c) QUAD
- d) SAARC
- Answer: c) QUAD