The Durian Flavour: Book on India-ASEAN Ties Discussed at ICWA
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) hosted a discussion on former diplomat Gurjit Singh's book 'The Durian Flavour', which examines India-ASEAN relations a decade after the Act East Policy. The event highlighted strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and regional security concerns, including China's assertiveness.
Background
India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, succeeded the Look East Policy (1991) to deepen engagement with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific. ASEAN is a key pillar of India's foreign policy, with trade, connectivity, and security being central themes. The book 'The Durian Flavour' likely uses the durian fruit as a metaphor for the complex, pungent yet rewarding nature of India-ASEAN ties.
Key facts
ICWA organized a discussion on Gurjit Singh's book 'The Durian Flavour'.
The book examines India-ASEAN relations a decade after the Act East Policy.
Experts discussed strategic cooperation, RCEP, CPTPP, connectivity, and China's assertiveness.
India's Act East Policy was launched in 2014, succeeding the Look East Policy.
ASEAN comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is a free trade agreement among Asia-Pacific nations; India opted out in 2019.
CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) is a trade pact among 11 countries; India is not a member.
China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Impact (LAC) affects regional security dynamics.
Connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway are key to India-ASEAN ties.
India-ASEAN trade stood at around $110 billion in 2022-23, with potential for growth.
Prelims pointers
- ICWA: Indian Council of World Affairs, a think tank under Ministry of External Affairs.
- ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations, established 1967.
- Act East Policy: Launched in 2014, focuses on economic and strategic ties with ASEAN and East Asia.
- Look East Policy: Initiated in 1991 under PM Narasimha Rao.
- RCEP: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signed in 2020 without India.
- CPTPP: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, effective 2018.
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: Under construction, aims to enhance connectivity.
- South China Sea: Disputed waters; India supports freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution.
- Line of Actual Control (LAC): De facto border between India and China.
- Durian: A fruit native to Southeast Asia, known for its strong odor and spiky exterior.
Mains angles
- Critically examine India's Act East Policy a decade after its launch, focusing on achievements and challenges in trade, connectivity, and security.
- Discuss the strategic implications of China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific for India-ASEAN relations.
- Analyze India's decision to opt out of RCEP and its impact on economic integration with ASEAN.
- Evaluate the role of connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway in deepening India-ASEAN ties.
- Examine the significance of the book 'The Durian Flavour' in understanding the complexities of India-ASEAN relations.