How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?

ASEAN refers to members of South-east Asia in economic and political (among others) coordination with each other and other countries (US, China) ASEAN centrality: 1) Contiguous zone from Andaman and Nicobar island (Neighbour state) and (Act-East policy) 2) Kaloden multimedia highway and IIMIT highway 3) Support to BIMSTEC and BBIN 4) Counter China's g-dash line and string of pearls Rules-based order => Opportunities for India: 1) Relevance of QUAD and countering China's hegemony

Continuation of Indo-Pacific question: 2) India's ideals of free flow of trade and open sea lanes of communication 3) Increased coordination with global south (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) Development partnership with ISC => CPM logo area 1) PIC's support to India for UNSC membership 2) Counter China's belligerence (Solomon Islands base of China) 3) Inclusive growth at Indo-Pacific 4) Opportunity for investment and development (Space sector in PIC) Hurdles of inclusive Indo-Pacific construct: 1) Focus on Western Pacific sector and North East Indian ocean (by western powers => US, AUS) 2) China's insecurity => Attack on borders, new land border law 3) COPA of US and China's debt-trap diplomacy conflict in Pacific area 4) China-Taiwan conflict (Possibility of similar to Russia-Ukraine war) 5) Poor functioning of IONS, IPOI, regional ¿¿¿¿ ASEAN Development of PIC => Impetus for: Indo-Pacific SAGAR, IONS, IPOI industry, TPEF functioning Indo-Pacific is the new atlable arena of 19th century due to trade, economic and geopolitical importance