Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in the capital of Laos on a two-day visit. He addressed the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. Modi said he believes that the 21st century, also known as the Asian century, is the century of India and the ASEAN countries. He was addressing the leaders of ASEAN countries which include Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Singapore.
What is ASEAN?
ASEAN, i.e. Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional inter-governmental organization, which was established on 8 August 1967. The main objective of this organization is to promote political, economic, security and socio-cultural cooperation among the countries of Southeast Asia. Currently, ASEAN has 10 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. PM Modi is currently on his way to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.
What is ASEAN-India Summit?
The ASEAN-India Summit is an important annual meeting between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India. The main objective of this summit is to promote political, economic, cultural and security cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
Relations between India and ASEAN began in 1992, when India was included as a “Dialogue Partner”. Subsequently, the ASEAN-India Summit was held for the first time in 2002. Since then this conference is held every year, in which leaders of India and ASEAN member countries come together on one platform to discuss various regional and global issues.
ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
In 2009, the Free Trade Agreement on Goods between India and ASEAN came into force, which led to a boost in trade between the two sides. In addition, agreements on services and investment have also been implemented, further strengthening economic ties. Under this summit, both sides established the “ASEAN-India Fund”, which aims to provide financing to regional development projects. It aims to promote cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, health and agriculture.
Purpose of establishment of ASEAN
The main objective of the establishment of ASEAN was to maintain regional peace and stability. In the 1960s, Southeast Asian countries faced many internal and external challenges. Therefore, these countries decided to come together and create an organization that could promote mutual cooperation and solidarity to deal with these challenges.
Interesting facts about ASEAN
initial member country
When ASEAN was established in 1967, it had only five founding members – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The rest of the countries joined later and in 1999, Cambodia became the 10th and last member of this organization.
ASEAN flag and emblem
The colors blue, red, white and yellow are used in the flag of ASEAN. It consists of ten paddy bunches in the form of a bundle, which symbolizes that all the ten countries are united. Blue color symbolizes peace and stability, red color symbolizes power and enthusiasm, white color symbolizes purity and yellow color symbolizes prosperity.
ASEAN Charter
In 2007, ASEAN adopted its own charter, under which the organization was legally established. The purpose of this charter was to make cooperation between member countries more organized and effective.
ASEAN Annual Summit
The ASEAN Summit is held every year, in which the heads of all member countries participate. Various issues are discussed in this summit, such as regional security, economic development, and measures to strengthen relations between member countries.
ASEAN-India cooperation
The relationship between India and ASEAN is very old and India is committed to further strengthening its relations with this organization. In 1992, India was made a “Dialogue Partner” of ASEAN, and in 2012 it was given the status of “Strategic Partner”. There is increasing cooperation between India and ASEAN in the fields of trade, security, culture, and education. ASEAN is central to India's 'Act East' policy. This policy focuses on the extended neighborhood in the Asia-Pacific region. It was designed as the next phase of the 'Look East' policy initiated in the 1990s.
India and ASEAN relations
India has had close historical relations with the Soviet Union (USSR). But in a world without the Soviet Union, India tried to deepen its relations with other countries such as South-East Asia. The North-East Indian states had an important role to play in this due to their proximity to South-East Asia. The policy was originally conceived as an economic initiative, as many Southeast Asian countries have seen rapid economic growth over the past few decades. For example, Brunei, which PM Modi visited earlier this year, is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the region.
India–ASEAN relations subsequently acquired political, strategic and cultural dimensions, including the establishment of institutional mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation. India is part of the ASEAN Plus Six grouping, which includes China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. In 2010, a free trade agreement between India and ASEAN was also signed and came into force. India was part of negotiations to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2020, but it ultimately decided not to do so. In recent years, except for the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, trade has increased in value terms.
The relationship between India and ASEAN dates back to ancient times, when there was trade and cultural exchange. Even today, the relationship between India and ASEAN remains equally important. ASEAN-India summits began in 2002, and the relationship has been growing ever stronger since then. India is working with ASEAN to promote regional peace, stability, and development.
Challenges facing ASEAN
Although ASEAN has strengthened cooperation among its member states, the organization still faces many challenges. Prominent among these are maritime boundary disputes, tensions arising from China's activities in the South China Sea, and the political situation of Myanmar.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
In 2015, ASEAN formed an “ASEAN Economic Community” (AEC), which aims to promote regional economic integration. Under this, exchange of trade, services, investment and skilled labor has been facilitated between the member countries.
Importance of ASEAN Unity
ASEAN has played an important role in promoting unity and mutual cooperation among the countries of Southeast Asia. The specialty of the organization is that its member countries do not interfere in each other's internal affairs and a kind of harmony is maintained among all.
ASEAN has made its mark as a strong organization in Southeast Asia. Peace and stability is maintained in the region due to economic and political cooperation among its member countries. Its cooperation with India is also important, which not only improves trade and security, but also strengthens cultural and social ties. The future of ASEAN looks bright and it is expected that this organization will play a more important role in the times to come.
