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 realising the Indo-Pacific construct?

ASEAN is the organisation of eleven Southeast Asian countries which form large chunk of world trade, GDP and population. Indo-pacific is fresh emerging as a centre of global geopolitical happenings due to increase rivarly between China and USA. As China is trying to increase its influence through trade, military power and political engagements. USA is trying to preserve its hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region by rebalancing and reorienting its partnerships and strategy. India also has a large stake in Indo-Pacific not only as a outsider but it presents a large opportunith for India to emerge as a primary partner of

Indo-pacific nations like Asean and islands that are seeking for strategic autonomy and neutrality in US-China conflict. India has unique geographic position, economical heft and historical goodwill to counterbalance both USA and Chinese attempts to influence Indo-pacific region. Asean centrality rules to the vision that the south-east asian countries are the stakeholders to any frame in Indo-pacific rather than outside powers. By increasing its engagement with ASEAN nations through trade and ASEAN-India summit, India can help ASEAN countries solve the dilemma of taking sides in USA-China conflict while also reaping benefits for itself. Similarly, many under-pacific island nations like Fiji, Solomon islands, PNG also

face the same dilemma and India through providing developmental assistance and voice to them in global platform can gain influence with them. e.g. PNG, PM called India as a leader of global south. but the major point of contention is the notion of Indo-Pacific itself which many countries in SEA/bio think that is unnecessary and decreases their importance. They argue to call it as Asia-Pacific rather than Indo-Pacific. Betting for Asian centrality and space for strategic maneuvering so it is necessary that India engages with Indo-pacific countries free from the influence of USA or the fear of China to fully hinde and optimize the relationship and role of India with regards to Indo-pacific.