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ASEAN AND THE PRESENT INDIAN PRIME MINISTER, NARENDRA MODI
Deepika Singh
Department of Political Science, Bharati College, University of Delhi, India
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Foreign policy is a key element of the public debate in India. India’s new Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has signalled a commitment to continue his nation’s “Look East” foreign
policy in a world of growing Asian influence. Since India initiated its Look East Policy in
1990s India's relationship with ASEAN remains one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy.
It is worthwhile to mention here that India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in
1992, which was upgraded to full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002, India have had
annual Summits with ASEAN. ASEAN and India commemorated the 20th anniversary of
dialogue-level partnership and the 10th anniversary of Summit-level partnership with a
Commemorative Summit in New Delhi under the theme 'ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace
and Shared Prosperity' on December 20-21, 2012. The present Indian Prime minister has
emphasised the importance of regional cooperation since his oath ceremony when he invited
the heads of SAARC countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy with respect to
South East Asia is equally unlikely to be controversial: good relations with countries like
Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore are important not only economically but also to counter
China’s growing influence in the region. This paper would endeavour to examine how under
the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi India looks towards the regional
organisation in general and ASEAN in particular.
Keywords: Look East Policy, Regional Organisation, Foreign Policy, Commercial Interest
and Economic Interest.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Foreign policy forms a key element of the public debate in India. In a world of growing Asian
influence, India’s new Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has signalled a commitment to
continue his nation’s “Look East” foreign policy. India's relationship with ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) forms a cornerstone of this policy since it was
initiated in the 1990s. It is worth mentioning that in 1992, India became a sectorial dialogue
partner of ASEAN which was upgraded to a full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002
onwards, India and Asean have held annual summits and have signified the 20th anniversary
of their dialogue-level partnership and the 10th anniversary of their Summit-level partnership
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with a Commemorative Summit in New Delhi under the theme 'ASEAN-India Partnership for
Peace and Shared Prosperity' on December 20–21, 2012.
Prime Minister Modi has emphasised the importance of regional cooperation by
inviting the heads of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries
on his oath taking ceremony. India’s new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
will broadly follow a continuation in policy with respect to South East Asia which will be
uncontroversial and will maintain good relations with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and
Singapore are as well, not only for strengthening the region’s economy but also to counter
China’s growing influence in the region. This paper will endeavour to examine how under the
leadership of Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, India looks towards the regional
organisation in general and ASEAN in particular.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Since the present Indian government is in its early stage, not much document is available.
The visits by the Indian Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have been covered by
both the print and electronic media. This paper is based on the primary sources i.e., speeches
by the Indian Prime Minister in Nepal, Bhutan, and BRICS (Association of Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa). The official statements issued by the spokesperson of the
Ministry of External Affairs after the visits of Indian Minister of External Affairs provide
some insights to decipher India’s vision towards ASEAN. Secondary sources such as books
and articles have also been beneficial in developing an understanding of the basic nuances of
India’ foreign policy.
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Introduction
The 16th
Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 expressed a paradigm shift in Indian politics
wherein thee oldest political party of India, the Indian National Congress which has ruled
India for almost 60 years, were able to garner only 44 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party got
the absolute majority and its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was sworn in as the
Prime Minister of India on 26th
May 2014. Since the foreign policy is the backbone of any
country’s economic growth and strategic security, it is serious matter of concern for the
present Indian government. Narendra Modi belongs to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) whose
philosophy is based on Integral humanism, Hindutva (For BJP Hindutya means Nationalism
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and it does not convey theocratic meaning, it locates its philosophical moorings in cultural
nationalism or Hindutva and fashions its worldview with the implements of this tradition). In
the foreign policy realm it is guided by protectionism. Modi had been the chief Minister of
Gujrat for almost 15 years prior to his Prime minister ship. As chief minister he built a strong
relationship with China, visited it at least four times and successfully attracted Chinese
investment into Gujarat. Neither his nationalist outlook nor national security concerns stood
in the way of his wooing of Beijing.
This paper is divided into three sections. The first part of the paper would deal with
basic nuances of Indian Foreign policy and the paradigm shift because of the change of
Government. The second section of the paper would draw the attention towards the foreign
policy related initiatives taken by the present Indian Government under the leadership of
Narendra Modi. Finally the third section of the paper would deal with the background of
INDIA- ASEAN engagement and Modi’s initiatives with countries like Myanmar and
Singapore, which prove the proposition that Modi’s foreign policy is based on economic
reciprocity.
3.2 Basic Nuances of Indian Foreign Policy
Indian Foreign policy has been shaped by the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru. He was a recalcitrant follower of Gandhian Satyagraha during the freedom struggle;
Nehru was keen on adapting Gandhian teachings to international relations.
Therefore impression of Gandhian Principles can be seen on Indian foreign policy tenets
non-alignment
Panchsheel
anti-colonialism
disarmament and
Integral World
All the above mentioned tenets of India’s Foreign Policy are based on two central
Gandhian paradigms of ‘tolerance’ and ‘means justifying ends’. After being governed by the
Indian National Congress for almost 60 years, the Bhartiya Janata Pary has emerged as
another political alternative in India.
Before Narendra Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpyee from BJP had served as India’s Prime
Minister for one term. Though The Indian National Congress and Bhartia Janta Party are
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parties with two different ideologies but in the realm of foreign policy it appears that they
both converge to Nehru’s legacy.
Thus the objective of India’s foreign policy can be viewed as
To protect and promote our political and social systems of democracy and pluralism
Enhance Indian economy.
In order to achieve the above mentioned goal by any country following conditions are
prerequisites.
Stable global order and a peaceful neighbourhood.
An open and equitable international trading system.
A secure financial system based on reliable, affordable and secure energy supplies;
and, food security.
Bilateral as well as international partnerships of technology and innovation are
required.1
3.3 Narendra Modi and His Foreign Policy Priorities
Though it has not been very long since Narendra Modi was sworn as Prime Minister of the
country, but it has become easy to unveil his foreign policy visions from his first few
initiatives. From his visits to Bhutan, Brazil (BRICS) Summit, and Nepal it is apparent that
his foreign policy is driven by commercial objective. The speech delivered by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Independence Day on 15th
August clearly emphasised on the problem of
‘poverty’ suffered by India and the neighbouring countries. From his speech it is clear that he
advocates for economic reciprocity with India’s neighbouring country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his oath taking ceremony has emphasised on
regional cooperation symbolically by inviting the SAARC leaders. The first gesture shown by
Narendra Modi underlines his intention of cordial and cooperative relations with its
neighbours. It is Important to mention here that though Modi is not liberal in his outlook, like
his predecessor BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was , but his emphasis on
economic matters will require him to adopt a “soft policy towards the rich countries.”
Regional powers such as SAARC, BRICS and ASEAN would be on his priority agenda for
economic engagement. From amongst India’s neighbouring region , a few countries such as
1 Jain,B.M.(2008).Global Power: India’s Foreign Policy 1947-2006,Lexington Books,Lanham,14-49.
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China, Japan and Singapore are on top priority of Modi’s economic diplomacy because, as
chief minister of Gujrat, he had already built strong economic ties with these are the
countries.
Co-relation between domestic factors and a country’s foreign policy is crucial.
Therefore at the domestic front Modi appears to be keen on federalising foreign policy which
means state governments would be granted greater say in the formulation and execution of
foreign policy. Since India is vast country and many states share a border with neighbouring
countries, in Modi understanding states have special links with other countries, whether due
to shared borders, historical links, or cultural commonalities and hence they should be
consulted in framing policies and crafting strategies with that country.
By the above observations, “Modi’s Doctrine’ can be assumed to be based on
following factors:
economic cooperation through regional ties and maintaining strategic security,
more assertive actions against “cross-border terrorism,”
greater attention to long-term policy planning,
a bigger role for the military in shaping India’s national security,
greater concern for the states in the government’s formulation and execution of
foreign policy.
3.4 India-Bhutan: A New Beginning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi after resuming office scheduled his first two days visit on 14
July 2014, to Bhutan. It was a very significant gesture of giving importance to a small
country also. Modi described Bhutan as a natural choice for his first visit abroad as the two
countries shared a "special relationship''. The fact that the Prime Minister chose Bhutan as his
first foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo
it and establish full- fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu. India concluded extensive
development cooperation and ways to further enhance economic ties were discussed by both
the parties. During this visit India and Bhutan agreed on following issues.
India and Bhutan reiterated their commitment to achieve the 10,000 MW target in
hydropower cooperation.
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Both the nations showed their commitment to fight against terrorism and not to
allow their territories to be used for interests "inimical" to each other.
India's would assist in projects like the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan,
and laying foundation stone of the 600MW Kholongchu Hydro-electric project. It
is a joint venture between India and Bhutan.
A number of measures and concessions including the exemption of Bhutan from
any ban on export of milk powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati rice
were announced.
The two sides recalled the free trade arrangement between them and the
expanding bilateral trade and its importance in further cementing their friendship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mooted the idea of an annual hill sports
festival with India's north-eastern states along with Bhutan and Nepal.
Modi announced doubling of scholarships being provided to Bhutanese students
in India which will now be worth Rs 2 crore of Indian Rupees.
India will also assist Bhutan to set up its digital library which will provide access
to Bhutanese youth to two million books and periodicals.2
3.5 Revival of ‘Forgotten’ Relationship with Nepal
Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Nepal on 3 August 2014, in 17
years. It is a remarkable fact that Modi became the first head of any foreign country to
address the Nepal’s parliament since its transformation as parliamentary democracy in 1990.
During his speech Narendra Modi outlined Indian policy towards Nepal. Through his speech
the pre-eminence of following objectives emerged:
Modi highlighted the cultural and historical ties between India and Nepal by calling
Nepal as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In his words “Our relations are as old as
Himalayas and Ganga and therefore our relationship isn’t based on documents but
through hearts of our people”.
Narendra Modi emphasised on federal, democratic and republican political system.
He applauded Nepal for resorting to ‘shaashtra’ (scriptures),” and defying shastra’
(weapons).
2 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Narendra-Modi-in-Bhutan-says-neighbours-will-benefit-from-strong-
India/articleshow/36646924.cms
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The principle of non-interference with any country’s sovereignty was also
underlined. Modi stressed that Nepal is a sovereign country and is free to make its
own choices and India can only offer support when sought.
The Indian Prime Minister also proposed ‘HIT’ formula for development —
highways, information technology and transmission lines for electricity.
H: Highways, I: I-ways and T: Transways.
India offered $1billion to Nepal.
Increased scholarships to Nepali students was promised
Indian Prime Minister also expressed India’s desire to import electricity from Nepal
in order to overcome its power crisis.3
3.6 Narendra Modi at BRICS Summit
During the BRICS summit in July 2014, the following points were highlighted by the Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
Peaceful, balanced and stable world order.
He emphasised on open international trading regime for global economic growth.
He expressed his concern for uncertain economic environment which is great
hurdle in economic prospects. He endorsed the idea of Development Bank by
BRICS countries.
As his development plan for India he highlighted heavy investment in
infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, education and clean energy.
For BRICS members Narendra Modi urged for decentralization in its functioning.
In this regard he suggested that BRICS leaders should resort to "beyond summit
and leader-centric deliberations and champion sub-national level exchanges".
In his words "we must encourage engagement between our states, cities and other
local bodies," Further he said, "Popularizing our languages through dedicated BRICS
language schools in all BRICS countries could be a beginning in this direction." He suggested
the idea of a BRICS University as well as cooperation in areas like health, education,
agriculture, resource management and urban development and a young scientists’ forum.
3 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-nepal-parliament-sushil-koirala-kathmandu-new-delhi-
modivisitnepal/1/375395.html
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Finally cooperation between small and medium enterprises and a common framework for
promoting tourism was emphasised by Indian Prime Minister.
After analysing the above extensive cooperation endeavours with Bhutan, BRICS and
Nepal it becomes clear that though economic reciprocity is the foundation of India’s foreign
policy under the leadership of Narendra Modi, other areas such as security, cultural,
educational, technological are also given due importance and recognition in intensifying the
relationship.4
India’s Look East Policy: Intensification of India-ASEAN Engagement
As a continuation of India’s traditional ‘Look East Policy’ India's relationship with ASEAN
remains one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy. The biggest challenge before Modi’s
Government is to seek balance between strategic security and opportunities in with our larger
neighbours. Since China has emerged the most prominent both strategically and
economically in its endeavours in East Asia, a primary challenge before India with in the
Asian perspective is that it has to transform its image of being merely a ‘promising partner’ to
a ‘delivering partner’ among its immediate neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood’. In
order to balance the rising Chinese power India has to play the role of ‘Delivering Partner’.
Similarly, our ‘Look East’ policy needs to go deeper at strategic level. In the opinion of
former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton India should “not just to look east but engage
east and act east as well.” Another challenge before Narendra Modi is how to make ‘Look
East Policy’ a landmark of regional cooperation; India has to transcend its engagement from
South Asia to beyond South Asia.
ASEAN- India Engagement in nutshell:
ASEAN-India relations commenced as a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992.
Full dialogue partnership between India-ASEAN was established in December
1995.
With the convening of the ASEAN-India Summit in 2002 in Phnom Penh,
Cambodia the relationship further elevated (ASEAN- India Summit has been held
annually afterwards) .
4 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/brics-summit-pm-modi-to-push-for-new-development-bank-in-
new-delhi/
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At the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held on 20 December 2012 in New
Delhi, India, the Leaders adopted the ASEAN-India Vision Statement and
declared that the ASEAN-India Partnership stands elevated to a Strategic
Partnership.
Political and Security Cooperation between India and ASEAN
It is beyond any doubt that Indian foreign policy has always prioritised in establishing peace,
security, stability and development in its own country, immediate neighbours, and the
extended neighboured hood and worldwide. In this regard India acceded to the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on 8 October 2003 during the 2nd
ASEAN-
India Summit in Bali, Indonesia. At the same occasion, ASEAN and India also signed a Joint
Declaration for Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, symbolising concrete
initiatives to step up cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
India- ASEAN commitments for the above mentioned goal intensified with the
Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity, which sets out the roadmap for a long-
term ASEAN-India engagement, was signed at the 3rd
ASEAN-India Summit on 30
November 2004 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. A Plan of Action (2004–2010) was also developed
to implement the Partnership. The 7th
ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2009 also noted
with satisfaction the steady progress of implementation of the ASEAN-India Partnership for
Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity. The Summit also agreed on a new and more enhanced
phase of the Plan of Action to implement the said Partnership in order to seize the
opportunities and overcome the challenges arising from the global financial crisis and
evolving political and economic landscape. Subsequently, the new ASEAN-India Plan of
Action for 2010–2015 was developed and adopted by the Leaders at the 8th
ASEAN-India
Summit in October 2010 in Ha Noi.
At the 10th
ASEAN-India Summit on 9 October 2012 in Bandar Seri Begawan, India
announced its intention to establish a separate Diplomatic Mission to ASEAN with a
Resident Ambassador as an illustration of the intensification of the ASEAN-India Strategic
Partnership. ASEAN and India marked the 20th
anniversary of their Dialogue Relations in
2012 with a Commemorative Summit held in India on 20 December 2012.5
Economic Cooperation
5 www.asean.org accessed on 29 Aug 2014
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It is unfortunate that volume of trade and investment flows between ASEAN and
India remained relatively low compared with other dialogue partners of ASEAN. Between
1993 and 2003, ASEAN-India bilateral trade grew at an annual rate of 11.2%, from US$ 2.9
billion in 1993 to US$ 12.1 billion in 2003.
The total trade between ASEAN and India grew by 5.3%, from US$ 68.2 billion in
2011 to US$ 71.8 billion in 2012. At the 10th
ASEAN-India Summit in November 2012, the
Leaders set the target of US$100 billion by 2015 for ASEAN-India trade. Foreign direct
investments (FDI) from India rebounded from negative US$ 1.7 billion in 2011 to US$ 2.6
billion in 2012.
Acknowledging this trend and recognising the economic potential of closer linkages,
both sides recognised the opportunities for deepening trade and investments, and agreed to
negotiate a framework agreement to pave the way for the establishment of an ASEAN-India
Free Trade Area.
During the 10th
ASEAN-India Summit in November 2012, the ASEAN-India Leaders
tasked their economic ministers to step up their efforts and flexibility to conclude the
ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreement at the earliest. Subsequently, an
announcement on the conclusion of the negotiations on both Agreements on ASEAN-India
Trade in Services and Investment was made at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit
on 20 December 2012. The concluded draft Agreement is targeted to be signed in the near
future.
ASEAN and India are also working on enhancing private sector engagement,
including the re-activation of the ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC), the holding of the
first ASEAN-India Business Summit (AIBS) and an ASEAN-India Business Fair and
Conclave (AIBFC), which was held in New Delhi on 2–6 March 2011 in which an estimated
500 trade exhibitors, business leaders, practitioners and entrepreneurs from ASEAN and
India to showcased their products and services.
In 2012, India participated for the first time in the 21st ASEAN Land Transport
Working Group (LTWG) Meeting. During the Meeting, India presented her initiatives for
enhanced cooperation on ASEAN Action Plan, covering various sectors such as land
transport, maritime transport, border management, customs, immigration, logistics and safety
and Public Private Partnership (PPP).
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The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway Project and its extension to Laos
and Cambodia is one of current proposed projects to achieve greater ASEAN-India physical
connectivity. The project is planned to connect the ASEAN Highway Network with the
highway system in eastern India.
In tourism, the number of visitor arrivals from India to ASEAN in 2012 was 2.84
million, an increase from 2.711 million in 2011. The 2nd
Meeting of ASEAN and India
Tourism Ministers (ATM + India) held on 25 January 2010 in Bandar Seri Begawan
supported the establishment of the ASEAN Promotional Chapter for Tourism (APCT) in
Mumbai.
To further enhance tourism collaboration between ASEAN and India through concrete
activities, during the 3rd
ATM + India held on 12 January 2012 in Manado, Indonesia, the
ASEAN and India Tourism Ministers signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between ASEAN and India on Strengthening Tourism Cooperation, which would serve as the
key instrument for more action-oriented cooperation, encouraging both parties to cooperate in
facilitating travel and tourist visits and further strengthen the close tourism partnership.
Further on connectivity, the 10th
ASEAN-India Summit welcomed the establishment
of India’s Inter-Ministerial Group on Connectivity and encouraged regular exchanges
between the Group and the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) to
explore concrete ways and means to support the MPAC, in particular in areas where India has
strong expertise and interest.
A Significant developments can also be seen in the cooperation in the agriculture and
forestry sector as ASEAN and India have successfully held the first and second ASEAN-
India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry on 8 October 2011 in Jakarta,
Indonesia and on 17 October 2012 in New Delhi, India, respectively. The Ministers adopted
the Medium Term Plan of Action for ASEAN-India Cooperation in Agriculture (2011–2015)
with the view on promoting and intensifying cooperation in the agriculture and forestry sector
between ASEAN and India, in order to meet the challenges of food security, to exchange
information and technology, to cooperate on research and development projects, to encourage
agriculture and forestry-related industries, and to strengthen human resources development.6
Socio-Cultural Cooperation
6 ibid
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Over the years, ASEAN-India socio-cultural cooperation has been expanded to include
human resource development, science and technology (S&T), people-to-people contacts,
health and pharmaceuticals, transport and infrastructure, small and medium enterprises
(SMEs), tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, energy and
Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI). All cooperation projects are funded by the ASEAN-
India Fund (AIF).
Based on the ASEAN-India Vision Statement adopted by the Commemorative
Summit in November 2012, ASEAN and India launched the ASEAN-India Centre located in
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in New Delhi to promote,
among others, trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges. ASEAN and India are
currently developing the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing the ASEAN-India
Centre.7
After observing the diverse areas of cooperation and engagement it becomes evident
that the India-ASEAN relationship is very intensely formulated on policy level. Now the
present government under the leadership of Narendra Modi is, at least through few initiatives
in Myanmar and Singapore endeavouring to be a real partner so far as execution of the
agreements are concerned.
India- Myanmar
During her visit to Myanmar on 12 August 2014, Indian External Affairs Minister,
Sushma Swaraj, during a meeting with her counterpart, Lwin, expressed her concern over the
issue of insurgent outfits and outfits banned by India setting up bases in Myanmar. Both the
foreign ministers discussed connectivity projects, including land, maritime and air
connectivity and the much awaited trilateral highway which will connect India-Myanmar-
Thailand to facilitate people-to-people contact and trade. In Sushma Swaraj’s words “I have
suggested that a direct flight be started from Delhi-Bodhgaya-Yangon. Right now, flights to
Myanmar are all through Bangkok. We need to rectify this,’’she said.
India-Singapore:
Apart from calling on the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, Sushma
Swaraj Swaraj held talks with her counterpart in Singapore, K Shanmugam and also called on
7 ibid
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former premier Goh Chok Tong. She also held a series of meetings including with Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Since the Modi government through their first Budget has
emphasised on infrastructure. They have proposed 100 smart cities near mega cities of India
through the Union Budget 2014 and Rs 7,060 crores has been allocated for this purpose. The
Indian Government envisions that Singapore could cooperate with India to develop a 'little
Singapore' along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor under the new government's 100
smart cities project.
Singapore has assured of committed cooperation on areas like water management and
urban rejuvenation, officials said that Sushma Swaraj advocated for enhanced trade ties. Air
and maritime connectivity and coastal development with Singapore was also emphasised by
the Indian side. Review of comprehensive economic cooperation agreements to stimulate
future economic ties was advocated. In this regard India and Singapore agreed to enhance its
economic ties in key areas of investment and trade which has witnessed a huge surge from
USD 4.2 billion to about USD 19.4 billion in the last decade. Concrete projects in skills
development, capacity building, and rejuvenation of Indian cities and to enhance cultural ties
were also given importance in this meeting.
The Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN's centrality in the regional
architecture as well as the growing and wide-ranging cooperation between ASEAN and India.
They looked forward to the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment
between ASEAN and India by the end of 2014. Both the sides expressed confidence that
ASEAN and India could work together to advance the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP), which would be a high-quality, comprehensive and mutually beneficial
economic agreement, taking into account the diverse circumstances and levels of
development of different members.
4.0 CONCLUSION
India- ASEAN relations operates in the background of intense and ancient cultural ties. It is
an established fact that India believes in cultural harmony and exchange without any element
of imposition. India’s cultural ties with South East Asia are very deep rooted. It is as old as
5th century BC. According to the Buddhist texts, Jataka mentions about Indians visiting
Suvarnadvipa (island of gold) which is now identified with Java. Such contacts are even
33
proved by evidences in forms of semi-precious stones from the coastal sites of Vietnam,
Indonesia and Thailand.
It is interesting to note that even the trade ties between India and ASEAN are not the
result of so called modern government endeavours. Since ASEAN countries are rich in
sandalwood, cloves, cardamom as well as camphor, therefore Indians started trading these
items because these were required by Buddhist to meet their ritual requirements of the
settlers. This created a situation which spread Indian social and cultural ideas in Southeast
Asia without uprooting the local culture.
Apart from Buddhism the worship of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu is
also quite popular since the ancient times in ASEAN countries. Till today, temples have been
found at various places which depict distinct traces of Indian influence and inspiration. One
of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the Angkor vat temple built in the
12th
century by Surya Varman II, the then king of Kambuja (now Cambodia).The temple is
surrounded by a moat, filled with water comprising a number of Shiv Lings. Besides these, it
has a huge gopuram (gateway) and a number of galleries, the walls of which are decorated
with sculptures based on themes drawn from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
In this strong cultural ties with ASEAN the vision of Narendra Modi’s foreign policy
priorities can very easily be understood by statement of External Affairs Minister, Sushma
Swaraj, during her Myanmar visit, “in the past two-and-a-half months, I have accompanied
the Prime Minister to Bhutan and have myself visited Bangladesh, Nepal and now Myanmar.
The neighbouring states that are left will be covered over the next few months. The visits to
our neighbouring countries are especially important in light of security issues and threats.”
Through these initial endeavours of the present Indian Government it becomes easy to
assume the future strands of India’s vision towards regional organisation in general and
ASEAN in particular.
After analysing India’s initial extensive cooperation endeavours with Bhutan, BRICS
and Nepal, it becomes clear that though economic reciprocity is the foundation of India’s
foreign policy under the leadership of Narendra Modi, other areas such as security, cultural,
educational, and technology are also given due importance. The SARRC countries appears to
be on top agenda of Indian view point in almost every sphere i.e economic cooperation,
promoting people to people contact through strengthening cultural ties, cooperation in
scientific development and educational collaborations.
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From the above observation of India’s beginning with its immediate neighbours
Bhutan, Nepal, BRICS and ASEAN, the base of “Modi’s doctrine” appears to be ‘economic
interest’ and superstructure to be security and the fight against terrorism, strengthening
cultural ties, and technological cooperation.
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