Question 20GS2GS2

How has the India-ASEAN partnership evolved since the implementation of the 'Look East Policy'? In light of this, can India leverage the increasing strength of its economy alongside geopolitical realities as opportunities to foster closer India and ASEAN relations?

Main Body

India-ASEAN trade is less than 5%, but with 'Look East Policy', there are changes of changing the situation Earlier position: - Far side nature of ASEAN nations, made India neglect them for some time - with Act East Policy, we stalled off with negotiations with ASEAN

Strategic alliances with Vietnam, Philippines were developed - to keep China at bay, 'Look East Policy' was of future significance - also trade relations stated becoming better and international cooperation begun India didn't sign RCEP Challenges with India-ASEAN: - ASEAN looks at us as if we are trying to be big brother (bullying thus) - closeness with three of those nations is a challenge - Rising textile industry of Vietnam, Bangladesh remain a challenge - lack of channels for back track diplomacy

Fostering closer relations Political: - engagement with leaders - rise of soft power threat - collective struggle Social: - Buddhism as source of confluence - Atheisme can also be a channel Economic: - High FTAs - engage with each nation - enhance exports Other: - defence deals - use demographic dividing

180 words1 paragraphs1 bullet points

Conclusion

Thus, to ensure India's Act East policy be come a success. We need to engage with all nations collectively.

19 words

Diagram

Box diagram showing interconnections between Political, Social, Economic, and Other factors

Open original scan

Page 53

Topper

Medha Anand

AIR 132023

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

India and its Neighborhood - Relations

India-ASEAN Relations

Look East Policy

Writing Stats

199

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

analytical, structured

Tone