Southeast Asian nations’ responses to the ongoing violent conflict between Israel and Hamas are influenced by historical, domestic, demographic and strategic factors.
Abhay K Singh replies: Since the last two years, ASEAN has faced significant criticism for its lack of effective action towards the restoration of democracy, rule of law and effective governance in Myanmar. It has often been argued that the Myanmar imbroglio has significantly undermined ASEAN’s reputation in the international arena and has cast doubts on the concept of ‘ASEAN centrality’.
The ADMM-Plus offers India and ASEAN opportunities to develop practical collaboration on security issues ranging from terrorism, maritime threats and other non-traditional threats.
Udai Bhanu Singh replies: Vietnam is a pillar of India’s Act East Policy. The relations between the two countries were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. The economic reform trajectory in Vietnam and India in recent times has not been dissimilar. Vietnam introduced its Doi Moi reforms in 1986 whereas India liberalised its economy in the early 1990s (accompanied by its Look East Policy, later rechristened Act East Policy).
Udai Bhanu Singh replies: ASEAN Centrality means that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be in the driver’s seat and be responsible for formulating a common vision and implementing it. New Delhi has consistently maintained its support for ASEAN Centrality. India’s Indo-Pacific strategy works in tandem with its Act East Policy, with ASEAN Centrality as its basis.
The recent Joint Statement issued after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Melbourne indicates the grouping’s drive towards institutionalisation and coming close to achieving a concrete mandate for its existence.
ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Priorities
ASEAN’s recent initiatives towards the Indo-Pacific help cement its centrality further while maintaining the grouping’s autonomy.