Unstable world, stable partner, Pg11.

Key Highlights:

• The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from October 26-28.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the summit virtually, while other leaders like Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese will attend in person.
• India's engagement with ASEAN started in 1992, becoming a dialogue partner in 1995 and elevating ties to a "strategic partnership" in 2012.
• PM Modi transformed the Look East Policy into Act East in 2014, strengthening geopolitical and trade ties with ASEAN nations.
• In 2022, ASEAN-India ties were upgraded to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".

Detailed Insights:

• The East Asia Summit (EAS), initiated by ASEAN in 2005, aims to broaden discussions on regional stability and security, gathering leaders from 18 countries.
• Despite progress, India's partnership with ASEAN has been historically West-oriented, but Hillary Clinton's call to "Engage East" prompted a strategic upgrade.
• Modi's emphasis on an "inclusive" Indo-Pacific region underscores ASEAN's central role, recognizing its importance for regional peace and stability amidst rising tensions.
• China's increased presence in the region is coupled with maritime disputes with several ASEAN members, making ASEAN wary of ties with the US.
• Multilateralism will be guided by regional groupings, with India and ASEAN playing a crucial role in promoting cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Act East Policy: India's strategic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region.
• Indo-Pacific: A geopolitical construct recognizing the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, emphasizing maritime security and cooperation.
• Multilateralism: A system of international relations based on cooperation and collaboration among multiple countries.