ASEAN as Cornerstone of India’s Strategic Vision
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, emphasized the pivotal role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. This year marks a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Act East Policy, underscoring the significance of Mr. Jaishankar’s visit.
Expanding Cooperation Across Multiple Fronts
Mr. Jaishankar articulated India’s commitment to deepening political, economic, and security collaboration with ASEAN. He highlighted the growing multifaceted nature of the India-ASEAN partnership, encompassing not only traditional spheres but also people-to-people ties. The minister’s presence at the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting served to reinforce India’s proactive engagement with the region.
A Decade of Act East Policy: A Watershed Moment
This year marks a significant milestone as India commemorates ten years of its Act East Policy. This strategic initiative, announced by Prime Minister Modi in 2014, has sought to bolster India’s ties with the Asia-Pacific region on multiple levels. The policy aligns with India’s vision for a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, grounded in a rules-based international order.
Summary
India’s engagement with ASEAN has reached a pivotal juncture as the nation marks a decade of its Act East Policy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s participation in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos underscores India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with the region. The focus on expanding cooperation across political, economic, and security domains, coupled with a renewed emphasis on people-to-people connections, signifies the deepening of the India-ASEAN partnership. As India continues to envision a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, ASEAN remains a cornerstone of its strategic vision.
Key Learnings
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| ASEAN’s Significance | ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. |
| Expanding Cooperation | India seeks to deepen political, economic, security, and people-to-people ties with ASEAN. |
| Decade of Act East Policy | This year marks the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy. |
| Vision for the Indo-Pacific | India envisions a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific based on a rules-based order. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
