India And The East Asia Summit

India participated in the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore in 2019. The EAS, an annual meeting of regional countries established in 2005, operates as an ASEAN-centered forum, meaning it is always chaired by an ASEAN member state. The EAS includes the ten ASEAN member nations along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

The East Asia Summit represents approximately 54% of the world's population and 58% of global GDP. Its primary focus areas for regional cooperation encompass Environment and Energy, Education, Finance, Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases, Natural Disaster Management, and ASEAN Connectivity, reflecting the diverse and interconnected challenges facing the region.

India and the East Asia Summit: A Deep Dive

The East Asia Summit (EAS), with India as a participant, represents a critical platform for strategic dialogue and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Its origins, evolution, and the dynamics it fosters are central to understanding India's foreign policy objectives and its role in shaping the regional order. This detailed analysis will explore the summit's historical context, key actors, underlying interests, and broader implications for India and the region.

The Genesis of the East Asia Summit: From ASEAN Plus Three to Broader Engagement

The EAS was not conceived in a vacuum. Its roots lie in the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) mechanism, which brought together the ten ASEAN member states with China, Japan, and South Korea. The APT emerged in the aftermath of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, driven by a desire for greater regional self-reliance and cooperation in economic and financial matters. The crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of Southeast Asian economies and highlighted the need for a more robust regional architecture to address shared challenges.

Initially, the APT focused primarily on economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and financial stability. However, over time, the agenda expanded to encompass other areas, such as political and security issues. This reflected a growing recognition that economic prosperity and stability were inextricably linked to broader regional security concerns.

The idea of expanding the APT to include other major powers in the region gained momentum in the early 2000s. Several factors contributed to this shift. First, there was a growing recognition that the APT framework was too narrow to address the complex challenges facing the region. Issues such as terrorism, transnational crime, and environmental degradation required the involvement of a wider range of actors.

Second, there was a desire to create a more inclusive and balanced regional architecture. Some ASEAN member states were concerned about the growing influence of China within the APT framework and sought to counterbalance this by including other major powers, such as India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Third, the rise of India as a major economic and political power made its inclusion in the regional architecture increasingly imperative. India's growing engagement with Southeast Asia through its "Look East" policy (later evolved into the "Act East" policy) had transformed it into a significant player in the region.

The first East Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December 2005. In addition to the ASEAN Plus Three countries, the summit included India, Australia, New Zealand. The inclusion of these countries marked a significant expansion of the regional architecture and signaled a shift towards a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to regional cooperation. The subsequent inclusion of Russia and the United States further solidified the EAS as a key forum for strategic dialogue among major powers in the Indo-Pacific.

The EAS Framework: Principles, Priorities, and Modalities

The EAS operates on the principles of consensus, non-interference, and mutual respect. These principles, which are central to the ASEAN way of diplomacy, are designed to foster trust and cooperation among member states with diverse political systems and strategic interests. The summit is chaired by an ASEAN member state on a rotating basis, reflecting ASEAN's central role in the EAS process.

The EAS focuses on six priority areas for regional cooperation: Environment and Energy, Education, Finance, Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases, Natural Disaster Management, and ASEAN Connectivity. These areas reflect the key challenges and opportunities facing the region and provide a framework for practical cooperation among member states.

• Environment and Energy: This area encompasses a wide range of issues, including climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. The EAS has played a role in promoting cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as in fostering the development of renewable energy sources.

• Education: Education is seen as a key driver of economic growth and social development. The EAS promotes cooperation in education through initiatives such as student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of regional qualifications frameworks.

• Finance: Financial stability and regional economic integration are key priorities for the EAS. The summit has supported initiatives to strengthen financial cooperation, promote trade and investment, and develop regional capital markets.

• Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases: The EAS has played a crucial role in addressing global health challenges, including the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The summit has supported initiatives to strengthen regional health systems, improve pandemic preparedness, and promote access to essential medicines.

• Natural Disaster Management: The Indo-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones. The EAS has promoted cooperation in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including the development of early warning systems and the sharing of best practices.

• ASEAN Connectivity: This priority area focuses on improving infrastructure, digital, and people-to-people links within ASEAN and between ASEAN and other regions. The EAS has supported initiatives to develop transport infrastructure, promote digital connectivity, and facilitate the movement of people and goods across borders.

The EAS operates through a variety of mechanisms, including annual summits, ministerial meetings, and senior officials' meetings. These meetings provide a platform for member states to discuss key issues, exchange information, and coordinate their policies. The EAS also supports a range of practical cooperation projects in the priority areas, involving government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.

India's Engagement with the East Asia Summit: A Strategic Imperative

India's participation in the EAS is driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and political factors. The summit provides India with a valuable platform to engage with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, promote its interests, and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

• Strategic Interests: The Indo-Pacific region is of vital strategic importance to India. India's security and economic interests are closely linked to the stability and security of the region. The EAS provides India with a forum to discuss security issues with key partners, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN member states. India has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is particularly relevant in the context of the South China Sea disputes, where China's assertive actions have raised concerns among many countries in the region. India has also used the EAS to promote its vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

• Economic Interests: The EAS region is a major trading partner and investment destination for India. The summit provides India with an opportunity to promote its economic interests, including trade liberalization, investment promotion, and regional economic integration. India has actively participated in efforts to enhance regional connectivity, including through initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. These projects are designed to improve transport links between India and Southeast Asia, facilitating trade and investment flows.

• Political Interests: The EAS provides India with a platform to enhance its political influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India is a major power with a growing international profile, and the EAS allows it to project its influence and contribute to shaping the regional agenda. India has used the EAS to promote its values and principles, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. India has also used the EAS to build closer relationships with key partners, including ASEAN member states, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

India's "Act East" policy, which was launched in 2014, is a key driver of its engagement with the EAS. The Act East policy represents a significant shift in India's foreign policy, with a greater emphasis on engaging with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The policy aims to strengthen India's economic, strategic, and cultural ties with the region.

Key Actors and Their Agendas: Navigating the Complex Landscape

The EAS brings together a diverse group of countries with varying interests and agendas. Understanding the perspectives of key actors is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of the summit.

• ASEAN: ASEAN is at the heart of the EAS. The ten ASEAN member states have a collective interest in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and sustainable development. ASEAN seeks to maintain its centrality in the regional architecture and to ensure that the EAS serves its interests. ASEAN's approach to regional cooperation is based on the principles of consensus, non-interference, and mutual respect. However, ASEAN member states have diverse political systems and strategic interests, which can sometimes make it difficult to reach consensus on key issues.

• China: China is a major player in the EAS, with a growing economic and political influence in the region. China seeks to promote its economic interests, expand its political influence, and shape the regional order in accordance with its interests. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a key element of its regional strategy. The BRI aims to connect China with other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of infrastructure projects. While the BRI has the potential to promote economic development and connectivity, it has also raised concerns about debt sustainability and China's growing influence.

• United States: The United States is a major power in the Indo-Pacific region, with a long-standing security presence and significant economic interests. The United States seeks to maintain its influence in the region, counter China's growing influence, and promote its values and principles. The United States has been a strong advocate for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and has criticized China's assertive actions in the region. The United States has also been working to strengthen its alliances with key partners in the region, including Japan, Australia, and India.

• Japan: Japan is a major economic and political power in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong interest in regional stability and prosperity. Japan seeks to promote its economic interests, enhance its security cooperation with key partners, and contribute to shaping the regional order. Japan has been a strong supporter of ASEAN centrality and has been working to strengthen its relationship with India. Japan has also been a vocal critic of China's assertive actions in the South China Sea.

• Australia: Australia is a key strategic partner for India in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia shares India's concerns about China's growing influence and its commitment to maintaining a rules-based order in the region. Australia has been working to strengthen its security cooperation with India and has been a strong supporter of the Quad, a grouping of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.

• Russia: Russia is a major power with a long-standing interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia seeks to promote its economic interests, enhance its security cooperation with key partners, and play a role in shaping the regional order. Russia has been working to strengthen its relationship with China and has been critical of the United States' policies in the region.

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The South China Sea Dispute: A Recurring Challenge

The South China Sea dispute is a recurring challenge for the EAS. The dispute involves conflicting territorial claims by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. China claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and islands that are also claimed by other countries. China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands and the deployment of military assets, have raised concerns among many countries in the region.

The South China Sea dispute is a complex issue with significant implications for regional security and stability. The dispute has the potential to escalate into a conflict, which could have devastating consequences for the region. The dispute also undermines the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region and raises questions about China's commitment to international law.

India has consistently called for the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India has also emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and has opposed any actions that could undermine regional stability.

The EAS provides a forum for discussing the South China Sea dispute and for promoting dialogue among the parties involved. However, the EAS has not been able to resolve the dispute. China has resisted efforts to discuss the South China Sea issue in detail at the EAS, arguing that it is a bilateral matter between China and the other claimant states.

ASEAN Connectivity and the Role of Infrastructure

ASEAN Connectivity is a key priority area for the EAS. ASEAN Connectivity aims to improve infrastructure, digital, and people-to-people links within ASEAN and between ASEAN and other regions. The ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan 2025 provides a framework for promoting connectivity in the region.

Infrastructure development is a crucial element of ASEAN Connectivity. The region faces a significant infrastructure deficit, which constrains economic growth and regional integration. The EAS has supported initiatives to develop transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and airports. These projects are designed to improve transport links within ASEAN and between ASEAN and other regions, facilitating trade and investment flows.

Digital connectivity is also a key priority for ASEAN Connectivity. The region is rapidly digitalizing, and digital connectivity is essential for economic growth and social development. The EAS has supported initiatives to promote digital connectivity, including the development of broadband infrastructure, the promotion of e-commerce, and the strengthening of cybersecurity.

People-to-people links are also an important aspect of ASEAN Connectivity. The EAS has supported initiatives to promote cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and tourism. These initiatives are designed to foster greater understanding and cooperation among the people of the region.

India has been actively involved in supporting ASEAN Connectivity. India has been working to develop transport infrastructure links with Southeast Asia, including through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. India has also been providing assistance to ASEAN member states in the areas of digital connectivity and human resource development.

The Quad: A Parallel Track for Cooperation

The Quad, a grouping of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, is a parallel track for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad is not formally linked to the EAS, but it shares many of the same goals and objectives. The Quad aims to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, based on international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Quad also seeks to enhance security cooperation, promote economic growth, and address shared challenges such as climate change and pandemic preparedness.

The Quad has been gaining momentum in recent years, with regular meetings of foreign ministers and other senior officials. The Quad has also launched a number of practical initiatives, including cooperation on vaccine distribution, climate change, and critical and emerging technologies.

The Quad is seen by some as a counterweight to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the Quad is not explicitly an anti-China alliance. The Quad's members have emphasized that it is a group of like-minded countries that are committed to promoting a rules-based order and addressing shared challenges.

India's participation in the Quad reflects its growing strategic alignment with the United States, Japan, and Australia. India sees the Quad as a valuable platform for enhancing its security cooperation and promoting its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Broader Implications for India's Foreign Policy

India's engagement with the EAS and other regional forums has significant implications for its foreign policy.

• Multilateralism: India's participation in the EAS reinforces its commitment to multilateralism. India believes that multilateral institutions are essential for addressing global challenges and promoting international cooperation. India has been a strong supporter of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.

• Regional Cooperation: India's engagement with the EAS demonstrates its commitment to regional cooperation. India believes that regional cooperation is essential for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. India has been actively involved in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

• Strategic Autonomy: India's foreign policy is guided by the principle of strategic autonomy. India seeks to maintain its independence in foreign policy decision-making and to avoid being drawn into alliances or blocs. India's engagement with the EAS and the Quad reflects its desire to pursue its interests and values in a pragmatic and flexible manner.

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• Economic Growth: India's engagement with the EAS is driven in part by its desire to promote economic growth. India recognizes that economic growth is essential for improving the living standards of its people and for enhancing its national power. India has been actively involved in promoting trade and investment with other countries in the EAS region.

• Security: India's engagement with the EAS is also driven by its security concerns. India faces a number of security challenges, including terrorism, border disputes, and maritime security threats. India has been working to enhance its security cooperation with other countries in the EAS region to address these challenges.

The East Asia Summit is a vital component of the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific. For India, active and strategic participation in the EAS is not merely a matter of diplomatic engagement, but a crucial element in securing its economic and security interests, shaping the regional order, and projecting its influence on the global stage. The summit serves as a barometer of regional dynamics and India's role within them, demanding continuous adaptation and proactive engagement to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.