What is the news?

 

• • The ASEAN Summit 2024 was held in Vientiane, Laos on October 10, 2024. It was the 21st ASEAN-India Summit.

 

Key Points:

 

• • Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at the summit.
  • The summit marked a decade of India’s Act East Policy.
  • ASEAN leaders and India reviewed the progress of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and charted the future direction of cooperation.

 

ASEAN-India 10-Point Plan

 

1. ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025):

• • India will allocate USD 5 million for joint activities promoting tourism.
  • Develop joint tourism products and marketing campaigns.
  • Increase the number of tourists and cultural exchanges.

 

2. Celebrating Act East Policy:

• • Focus on youth summits, start-up festivals, hackathons, and cultural exchanges.
  • Strengthen people-to-people ties and foster understanding.
  • Promote India’s engagement with the ASEAN region.

 

3. Women Scientists Conclave:

• • Organize events under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
  • Promote women’s participation in science and technology.
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among women scientists.

 

4. Scholarship Expansion:

• • Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and new ones for ASEAN students.
  • Provide more opportunities for ASEAN students to study in India.
  • Strengthen academic and cultural ties between ASEAN countries and India.

 

5. Trade Agreement Review:

• • Plan to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
  • Identify areas for improvement and modernization.
  • Facilitate trade and investment between ASEAN countries and India.

 

6. Disaster Resilience:

• • USD 5 million allocated for enhancing disaster resilience.
  • Support disaster preparedness and response efforts.
  • Build resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

 

7. Health Ministers’ Track:

• • Initiate health resilience measures and cooperation.
  • Address public health challenges and strengthen healthcare systems.
  • Promote health cooperation and knowledge sharing.

 

8. Cyber Policy Dialogue:

• • Regular dialogues on cybersecurity to strengthen digital resilience.
  • Share best practices and experiences to address cyber threats.
  • Enhance cooperation in cybersecurity research and development.

 

9. Workshop on Green Hydrogen:

• • Focus on sustainable energy and environmental technology.
  • Explore opportunities for green hydrogen production and utilization.
  • Promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.

 

10. Plant a Tree for Mother Campaign:

• • Inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in a green initiative to build climate resilience.
  • Promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.
  • Raise awareness about climate change and its impacts.

 

ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

 

Overview

• • Formation: The predecessor of ASEAN was the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), formed on 31 July 1961 and consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya.Established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Purpose: To promote economic, social, cultural, and political cooperation among its member states.
  • Membership: Currently comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

Objectives

• • To promote peace, stability, and progress in Southeast Asia.
  • To strengthen economic cooperation and development.
  • To promote social and cultural development.
  • To enhance regional cooperation in various fields.

 

Core Principles

• • Unity and solidarity: Promoting cooperation and mutual assistance among member states.
  • Equality: Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all members.
  • Consultation and cooperation: Encouraging dialogue and cooperation on regional issues.
  • Non-interference: Avoiding interference in the internal affairs of other members.

 

ASEAN Vision 2025

• • To establish ASEAN as a dynamic, resilient, and prosperous community.
  • To promote ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture.
  • To enhance ASEAN’s global standing.

 

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

• • Established in 2015 to create a single market and production base in Southeast Asia.

 

Key objectives:

 

• • Free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor.
  • A competitive and equitable business environment.
  • Enhanced regional integration.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

• • Established in 2009 to promote social and cultural development in the region.

 

Key objectives:

• • Enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
  • Promoting cultural diversity and heritage.
  • Addressing social issues such as poverty, education, and health.

 

ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)

• • Established in 2007 to promote peace, stability, and security in Southeast Asia.

 

Key objectives:

• • Strengthening regional security cooperation.
  • Addressing non-traditional security threats.
  • Promoting conflict resolution and prevention.

 

ASEAN Plus One, Plus Three, and Plus Six

 

• • ASEAN Plus One: ASEAN with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.
  • ASEAN Plus Three: ASEAN with China, Japan, and South Korea.
  • ASEAN Plus Six: ASEAN with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India.

 

ASEAN’s Role in the World

• • ASEAN plays a significant role in regional and global affairs.
  • It is a key player in promoting peace, stability, and economic development in Southeast Asia.
  • ASEAN has been actively involved in various international forums and initiatives.

 

ASEAN-India Cooperation in Various Fields

 

ASEAN and India have been strengthening their bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. Here are some key areas of cooperation:

 

Economic Cooperation

• • Trade and Investment: ASEAN is India’s third-largest trading partner. Both sides have been working to increase trade and investment flows.
  • Free Trade Agreement (FTA): ASEAN and India signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (AEC) in 2009, which came into force in 2010.
  • ASEAN-India Business Council: This forum promotes trade and investment between the two regions.
  • Connectivity: Both sides have been working to enhance connectivity through infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and ports.

 

Security Cooperation

• • Counter-terrorism: ASEAN and India have been cooperating in the fight against terrorism.
  • Maritime security: Both sides have been working to enhance maritime security and address non-traditional security threats.
  • Defense cooperation: ASEAN and India have been strengthening defense cooperation through joint exercises, training, and information sharing.

 

Cultural Cooperation

• • People-to-people exchanges: Both sides have been promoting people-to-people exchanges through cultural festivals, student exchanges, and tourism.
  • Education and research: ASEAN and India have been cooperating in the fields of education and research.
  • Language learning: Both sides have been promoting the learning of each other’s languages.

 

Science and Technology Cooperation

• • ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund: This fund supports joint research projects and capacity building in science and technology.
    Innovation and technology: Both sides have been cooperating in the fields of innovation and technology.

 

Health Cooperation

• • Public health: ASEAN and India have been cooperating in the field of public health, including disease prevention and control.
  • Traditional medicine: Both sides have been promoting cooperation in traditional medicine.

 

Environmental Cooperation

• • Climate change: ASEAN and India have been working together to address climate change.
  • Sustainable development: Both sides have been promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Challenges Faced by ASEAN

 

Despite its significant achievements, ASEAN faces several challenges in its pursuit of regional integration and cooperation:

 

Economic Challenges

• • Development disparities: The region’s member states vary significantly in terms of economic development, creating challenges in achieving a level playing field.
  • Infrastructure gaps: Many ASEAN countries face infrastructure deficiencies, hindering trade and investment flows.
  • Trade barriers: Non-tariff barriers, such as regulatory differences and bureaucratic procedures, can hinder intra-ASEAN trade.

 

Political Challenges

• • Geopolitical rivalries: The region is influenced by competing powers, which can create tensions and complicate ASEAN’s efforts to maintain neutrality.
  • Internal conflicts: Some ASEAN member states have faced internal conflicts and political instability, affecting regional stability.
  • Human rights issues: Concerns about human rights violations in certain member states have been raised, impacting ASEAN’s image and reputation.

 

Environmental Challenges

• • Climate change: ASEAN is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and deforestation.
  • Environmental degradation: The region faces challenges related to pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

 

Social Challenges

• • Poverty and inequality: Many ASEAN countries continue to grapple with poverty and inequality, which can lead to social unrest.
  • Migration: The region is experiencing increasing migration flows, which can pose challenges in terms of managing labor markets and social integration.

 

Institutional Challenges

• • Decision-making: ASEAN’s consensus-based decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome, sometimes hindering progress on key issues.
  • Implementation: Challenges in implementing ASEAN’s decisions and initiatives can arise due to differences in national interests and capacities.
  • Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from ASEAN member states, as well as cooperation with external partners. By working together, ASEAN can overcome these obstacles and continue to build a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful region.

 

Limitations of ASEAN

 

Economic Limitations

• • Development disparities: The region’s member states vary significantly in terms of economic development, creating challenges in achieving a level playing field.
  • Infrastructure gaps: Many ASEAN countries face infrastructure deficiencies, hindering trade and investment flows.
  • Trade barriers: Non-tariff barriers, such as regulatory differences and bureaucratic procedures, can hinder intra-ASEAN trade.
  • Economic imbalances: Vast income and development gaps between member nations, like Singapore and Cambodia, limit cohesive economic growth strategies.

 

Political Limitations

• • Geopolitical rivalries: The region is influenced by competing powers, including China and the United States, which can create tensions and complicate ASEAN’s efforts to maintain neutrality.
  • Internal conflicts: Some ASEAN member states have faced internal conflicts and political instability, such as the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, affecting regional stability.
  • Human rights issues: Concerns about human rights violations in certain member states have been raised, impacting ASEAN’s image and reputation.
  • South China Sea disputes: China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea conflict directly with those of ASEAN nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, hindering regional unity.

 

External Limitations

• • Chinese influence: Heavy dependence on Chinese investments in infrastructure projects like ports and railways compromises ASEAN’s ability to assert its strategic autonomy.

 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

The ASEAN-India Summit, held recently in Vientiane, Laos, marks a crucial milestone in enhancing diplomatic and strategic ties between India and the ASEAN nations. With the 21st century being described as the century of India and ASEAN, the summit underscores the importance of collaboration amid global tensions.

Significance of the Summit:

• • Political Stability and Peace: The summit focused on ensuring political stability and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. This demonstrates a collective commitment to address regional security challenges.
  • Strengthening Economic Ties: The discussions included reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, which is essential for enhancing economic integration, reducing tariffs, and boosting trade between India and ASEAN nations.
  • Cultural and Social Engagement: By promoting initiatives like the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, the summit emphasizes the importance of people-to-people connections, fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchanges.

 

10-Point Program Overview: Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point plan encapsulates a comprehensive approach to deepen India-ASEAN ties, addressing critical areas such as:

• • Tourism and Cultural Exchanges: The allocation of USD 5 million for tourism activities encourages people-to-people interactions and economic cooperation.
  • Youth Engagement: Initiatives focusing on youth summits, startup festivals, and scholarships at Nalanda University aim to empower the next generation and promote educational collaboration.
  • Disaster Resilience and Health Cooperation: The program emphasizes disaster resilience with a dedicated budget and health initiatives to enhance cooperation in public health, particularly in the face of global health challenges.
  • Sustainability and Climate Action: Workshops on green hydrogen and campaigns like “Plant a Tree for Mother” highlight the commitment to sustainable practices and addressing climate change.

 

In conclusion, the ASEAN-India Summit and the accompanying 10-point program are vital for reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN, promoting stability, economic growth, and cultural understanding in the region.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

While the ASEAN-India partnership presents numerous opportunities for cooperation and growth, several challenges hinder the unity of ASEAN member states, impacting the overall effectiveness of the India-ASEAN relationship.

Challenges to ASEAN Unity:

• • Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea: China’s aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea have created significant tension among ASEAN nations, particularly between China and countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. These disputes not only challenge ASEAN’s unity but also complicate India’s efforts to promote regional security.
• • Political Instability in Myanmar: The ongoing political crisis in Myanmar has exposed ASEAN’s inability to present a cohesive response. This lack of unity undermines ASEAN’s credibility as a regional organization capable of addressing internal conflicts and could impede collaboration with external partners like India.
• • Economic Disparities: The economic imbalance between ASEAN member states, exemplified by the disparity between more developed nations like Singapore and less developed nations like Cambodia, poses challenges for formulating cohesive economic strategies. This could hinder efforts to enhance trade and investment opportunities with India.
• • Chinese Influence on Member States: Many ASEAN countries are heavily reliant on Chinese investments for infrastructure development. This dependence could compromise ASEAN’s strategic autonomy and make it challenging for the bloc to collectively assert its interests in partnership discussions with India.
• • Diverse Political Systems: The varying political systems and governance styles among ASEAN nations can lead to differing priorities and agendas, making it difficult to reach consensus on key issues that affect the India-ASEAN partnership.

 

Conclusion: To fully leverage the potential of the India-ASEAN relationship, it is imperative for ASEAN to address these challenges. Strengthening internal cohesion and presenting a unified front will not only enhance its credibility but also create a more conducive environment for fruitful collaboration with India, ultimately contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.