Topic- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests
1) Examine the significance of ASEAN for India’s economic, geo-strategic and security imperatives?(250 words)
Why this question
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Singapore this week to attend the East Asia Summit, ASEAN-India informal meet and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. In the backdrop of this visit, Asean would come in news again and its significance for India. Hence this question.
Key demand of the question
The question is quite straightforward in its demand and expects us to bring out the economic, geo-strategic and security significance of Asean for India.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain about Asean and about the recent meet which is why the topic is in news.
Body
- Explain the economic significance of Asean for India – India is part of Asean led RCEP, high quantum of two way trade etc
- Explain the geostrategic significance – curb Chinese presence in Indo Pacific, regional connectivity projects such as kaladan multimodal highway etc
- Explain the security imperative such as curbing terror financing, cybersecurity, joint military exercises etc
Conclusion – Give your view on India’s relationship with Asean and discuss way forward.
