Modi Emphasizes Asean Central Role for Quad Coop & Delhi's Indo-Pacific Vision

Strategic Insights -

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of Asean centrality in his opening remarks at the 21st India-Asean summit in Laos, highlighting India's commitment to supporting Asean's unity and role in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi also drew parallels between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific, underscoring their complementary nature. The PM's diplomatic approach aims to establish a framework for expanded strategic partnership with Southeast Asia, eschewing explicit calls to take sides in the US-China rivalry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Modi's remarks at the India-Asean summit highlighted the significance of Asean centrality, specifically referencing India's 2019 launch of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, which complements the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
  • The PM emphasized the importance of India-Asean cooperation in the face of global conflict and tension, positioning it as a vital aspect of India's Indo-Pacific vision.
  • Modi underscored the similarities between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Asean outlook on Indo-Pacific, aiming to establish a framework for expanded strategic partnership with Southeast Asia.
  • The joint statement adopted at the Asean-India summit recognized India's support for Asean centrality and unity, as well as its commitment to working closely through Asean-led mechanisms.
  • Southeast Asian states, known for their accommodative approach, have long advocated for a wider role by India, viewing it as a third pole in the region.
  • The region has traditionally sought to maintain neutrality, with some countries expressing concerns about being drawn into the US-China rivalry through participation in plurilaterals like the Quad.

Statistics:

  • 21st India-Asean summit was held in Laos, at which Modi emphasized the importance of Asean centrality.
  • 2019 saw the launch of India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, aimed at complementing the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
  • India has consistently supported the unity and centrality of Asean in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sources:

  • [1] Modi's opening remarks at the 21st India-Asean summit, as reported in The Hindu, November 10, 2022.
  • [2] Joint statement adopted at the 21st India-Asean summit.