JAKARTA: In a significant message directed towards China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and emphasized the need for an open, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. This message was delivered during his address at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit held in Indonesia.
PM Modi reaffirmed ASEAN's central role in India's 'Act East' policy and extended India's full support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that ASEAN holds a vital position in India's Indo-Pacific initiative.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of establishing a rules-based global order in the post-COVID world, emphasizing the common interests of ASEAN leaders in amplifying the voices of the Global South. He also addressed the pressing challenges of terrorism, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts that hinder cooperation in the region.
Furthermore, PM Modi presented a comprehensive 12-point proposal aimed at bolstering India-ASEAN cooperation. These points covered various areas, including connectivity, digital transformation, trade and economic engagement, addressing contemporary challenges, people-to-people contacts, and deepening strategic engagement.
The Indo-Pacific region, home to approximately 65% of the world's population and contributing to over 60% of global GDP, plays a pivotal role in economic growth and connectivity for numerous countries. A free and open Indo-Pacific region is seen as essential for achieving these goals.
However, the rise of China, an economic, technological, and military powerhouse, has led to a significant power shift in the region. China has aggressively expanded its influence in the Indo-Pacific, notably in the South China Sea, where it has advanced unlawful maritime claims and posed threats to maritime shipping lanes and territorial stability.
China's assertive actions have raised concerns that it aims to consolidate power and control over the Indo-Pacific to further its economic interests. This has prompted the resurgence of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. These nations advocate for a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific and resist Chinese hegemony in the region.
China, however, strongly opposes these efforts, viewing them as containment strategies. Chinese diplomats have rejected the concept of an 'Indo-Pacific' in geopolitical matters.
The balance of power in the Indo-Pacific largely depends on the actions of the United States, China, India, and Japan. India's participation is crucial for trade, connectivity, and resilient supply chains in this contested region.
PM Modi's remarks at the ASEAN-India Summit came shortly after Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned of a "new Cold War" as geopolitical rivalries intensified across the Indo-Pacific region. Li emphasized the need to avoid taking sides, bloc confrontation, and a new Cold War, urging nations to handle differences and disputes appropriately.
This development follows the US's rejection of China's controversial "standard map," which incorporated several neighboring regions, including parts of India's Arunachal Pradesh, within its boundaries.
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