What is India-ASEAN Relations?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) aims to reduce tariffs and promote trade between India and ASEAN member states.
- 2.
The ASEAN-India Plan of Actionexplanation: A roadmap for cooperation outlines specific areas of cooperation, such as connectivity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
- 3.
Regular summits and ministerial meetings provide platforms for high-level dialogue and policy coordination.
- 4.
India actively participates in ASEAN-led mechanisms like the East Asia Summit (EAS)explanation: A forum for strategic dialogue and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)explanation: A platform for security cooperation.
- 5.
India provides capacity building assistance to ASEAN countries in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
- 6.
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people programs promote understanding and goodwill between India and ASEAN.
- 7.
Maritime security cooperation is a key area, with joint exercises and information sharing to address challenges like piracy and terrorism.
- 8.
Digital connectivity is being enhanced through projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
- 9.
India and ASEAN are working together to promote sustainable development and address climate change.
- 10.
The relationship is guided by the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
- 11.
The focus is on enhancing economic integration through trade facilitation and investment promotion.
- 12.
Cooperation extends to addressing non-traditional security threats like pandemics and cybercrime.
Visual Insights
Evolution of India-ASEAN Relations
This timeline illustrates the evolution of India-ASEAN relations, highlighting key milestones and agreements.
India's engagement with ASEAN is a key part of its Act East Policy, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
- 1992India becomes a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
- 1996India becomes a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
- 2002First ASEAN-India Summit
- 2009ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) signed
- 2015Enhanced cooperation under Act East Policy
- 202230th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations
- 2026Focus on digital connectivity and renewable energy cooperation
India-ASEAN Relations: Key Areas of Cooperation
This mind map illustrates the key areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN, including trade, security, and socio-cultural cooperation.
India-ASEAN Relations
- ●Economic Cooperation
- ●Security Cooperation
- ●Socio-Cultural Cooperation
- ●Connectivity
Recent Developments
8 developmentsIn 2022, India and ASEAN celebrated the 30th anniversary of their dialogue relations, designating it as the 'ASEAN-India Friendship Year'.
India has been actively promoting the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)explanation: India's vision for maritime security, which aligns with ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
There is increasing focus on enhancing digital connectivity and cooperation in areas like fintech and e-commerce.
India is working with ASEAN to strengthen supply chain resilience and diversification in the post-pandemic world.
Recent discussions have focused on enhancing cooperation in renewable energy and addressing climate change.
India's support for ASEAN centrality remains a key pillar of the relationship.
Efforts are underway to streamline trade procedures and reduce non-tariff barriers.
Cooperation in healthcare and vaccine development has gained prominence in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What is the India-ASEAN Free Trade Area (AIFTA) and what are its key objectives?
The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) is an agreement between India and ASEAN member states to reduce tariffs and promote trade. Its key objectives include: * Lowering trade barriers between India and ASEAN countries. * Increasing trade volume and investment flows. * Promoting economic integration between the two regions.
- •Reduction of tariffs on goods traded between India and ASEAN.
- •Establishment of rules of origin to determine the eligibility of goods for preferential treatment.
- •Provisions for dispute settlement to resolve trade-related issues.
Exam Tip
Remember that AIFTA is crucial for India's Act East Policy and economic integration with Southeast Asia.
2. Explain the historical background of India-ASEAN relations. What were the key turning points?
India's connection with Southeast Asia has ancient roots, but formal engagement with ASEAN started in the early 1990s after India's economic liberalization. Key turning points include: * 1992: India becomes a sectoral dialogue partner, focusing on trade, investment, and tourism. * 1996: Upgraded to a full dialogue partnership, expanding cooperation to political and security issues. * 2002: The first ASEAN-India Summit was held.
- •Ancient cultural and trade links.
- •India's economic liberalization in the early 1990s.
- •End of the Cold War creating opportunities for closer ties.
Exam Tip
Focus on the timeline of India's engagement with ASEAN, from sectoral dialogue partner to full dialogue partner.
3. What is the significance of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action?
The ASEAN-India Plan of Action is a roadmap for cooperation between India and ASEAN. It outlines specific areas of cooperation, such as connectivity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. It provides a framework for implementing various initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the relationship.
- •Outlines specific areas of cooperation.
- •Provides a framework for implementing initiatives.
- •Strengthens the relationship between India and ASEAN.
Exam Tip
Remember that the Plan of Action is a dynamic document that is periodically updated to reflect evolving priorities.
4. How does India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) align with ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific?
India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) aligns with ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific by promoting maritime security, sustainable use of marine resources, and regional cooperation. Both emphasize the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on international law.
- •Promotes maritime security.
- •Emphasizes sustainable use of marine resources.
- •Focuses on regional cooperation.
Exam Tip
Note that IPOI is India's vision for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, complementing ASEAN's approach.
5. What are the challenges in implementing the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA)?
Challenges in implementing AIFTA include: * Non-tariff barriers: These barriers can hinder trade despite tariff reductions. * Implementation gaps: Differences in regulatory frameworks and customs procedures can create obstacles. * Geopolitical factors: Regional tensions and strategic competition can affect trade relations.
- •Addressing non-tariff barriers.
- •Harmonizing regulatory frameworks.
- •Managing geopolitical tensions.
Exam Tip
Consider the broader context of regional geopolitics and economic disparities when analyzing AIFTA's implementation.
6. What are the frequently asked aspects of India-ASEAN relations in the UPSC exam?
Frequently asked aspects in the UPSC exam include: * India's Act East Policy and its objectives. * The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) and its impact on trade. * Security cooperation, including maritime security and counter-terrorism. * India's participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
- •Act East Policy.
- •ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA).
- •Security cooperation.
- •Participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms.
Exam Tip
Focus on understanding the strategic and economic dimensions of India-ASEAN relations for the UPSC exam.