Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Vientiane, Laos, for the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on October 10-11, 2024, marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s relationships with Southeast Asia. This visit coincides with the 10-year anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, a critical framework for India’s diplomatic, trade, and security initiatives in the region.
Significance of the ASEAN-India Summit
The summit presents a pivotal opportunity for India and ASEAN leaders to redefine their cooperation in the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape, amidst rising regional tensions and deepening economic partnerships. It aims to review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated under the Act East Policy and establish a roadmap for future cooperation in areas such as:
- Trade
- Connectivity
- Security
Focus Areas of the Summit
The 2024 summit will center on enhancing various aspects of India-ASEAN relations, including:
Economic Cooperation
Efforts will be made to deepen economic ties through technology and expand fintech initiatives. India has also recently elevated its relationships with Malaysia and Singapore to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, emphasizing economic collaboration and resilience.
Defense and Security
Defense cooperation will be a major agenda item, with discussions expected on maritime security and counter-terrorism initiatives. Projects like the $5 million Army Software Park in Vietnam highlight India’s commitment to ensuring regional peace and stability.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
India’s role in restoring shared cultural heritage sites, such as the Vat Phou temple in Laos and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, underscores the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia.
Recent Developments in Regional Connectivity
India’s initiatives to boost connectivity include launching new direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, with plans for additional flights between India and Brunei. These connectivity efforts aim to enhance trade and tourism, essential for economic integration.
Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief
India’s engagement in humanitarian efforts is exemplified by Operation Sadbhav, which provided emergency supplies to Laos and Vietnam in response to Typhoon Yagi. Additionally, Vietnam’s decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) will bolster regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ASEAN-India Relations
As Prime Minister Modi attends the summit, the focus will be on consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and setting new objectives for the next phase of ASEAN-India relations. The challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, such as security tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities, require robust collaboration between India and ASEAN.
The ASEAN-India Summit, followed by the East Asia Summit, will serve as a crucial platform for leaders to tackle these challenges and explore deeper cooperation. As India celebrates a decade of its Act East Policy, the significance of its ties with ASEAN has never been more pronounced, with potential outcomes shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the purpose of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Laos on October 10-11, 2024?
A. To sign trade agreements with China
B. To attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit
C. To discuss climate change with ASEAN leaders
D. To celebrate India’s independence
Answer: B. To attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit
2. Which policy marks its 10-year anniversary during the upcoming summit?
A. Look East Policy
B. Act East Policy
C. Westward Policy
D. South Asia Policy
Answer: B. Act East Policy
3. Which area of cooperation is NOT highlighted in the summit agenda?
A. Economic ties through technology
B. Defense cooperation
C. Cultural heritage preservation
D. Space exploration
Answer: D. Space exploration
4. What humanitarian operation did India conduct in response to Typhoon Yagi?
A. Operation Vande Bharat
B. Operation Sadbhav
C. Operation Saksham
D. Operation Suraksha
Answer: B. Operation Sadbhav
5. What initiative will enhance regional disaster preparedness and resilience?
A. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
B. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
C. Indo-Pacific Security Framework
D. Digital Silk Road
Answer: A. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)