India’s recent elections which have resulted in a third time victory for the Modi led government has not only shaped domestic policies but has also set the tone for its international engagements, particularly with East-Asian countries. India being the world’s largest democracy navigates its post-election landscape, a renewed focus on economic ties and safety concerns with East Asia emerges as a critical aspect of its foreign policy strategy. India’s economic engagement with East Asia has historically been intricate, encompassing trade, investment, and technological collaboration. The post-election period offers an opportunity for India to re-evaluate and deepen these economic ties with the East Asian countries. East Asia represents some of the world’s fastest growing regions such as China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN Nations whose markets offer highly favorable environment for India’s export-oriented industries including information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automative sector.

                 Ahead of the elections 2024 as per the BJP manifesto, the BJP Government led by Mr. Narendra Modi has promised to observe their neighbourhood first policy in order to maintain friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its neighborhood countries. Additionally, the Modi government has also promised to strengthen maritime vision (SAGAR) in the Indo-pacific area for security and growth.

                 India’s diplomatic outreach in East Asia is driven by several factors including the need to counterbalance China’s growing influence, promote regional stability, and secure its economic and strategic interest. China, despite occasional geopolitical friction, remains India’s largest trading partner in the East Asia. The bilateral trade has shown resilience, with both nations actively seeking to expand economic cooperation through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Post elections, India is keen on strengthening this relationship further and balancing economic engagement with diplomatic sanity. Strategic deterrence, economic relations, multilateral cooperation, will dictate the agenda for foreign policy changes between India and China.

                Near home, India will continue to extend and deepen partnerships with countries like Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, which share similar concerns regarding China’s growing influence in India. India will likely intensify its efforts to mitigate the Chinese influence in the SAARC states by using diplomatic, economic and political pressure. Intra-Asian balancing is prominent in India’s foreign policy in order to resist Chinese activities in South Asia and Indian ocean. India will articulate and defend economic priorities of developing countries through multilateral frameworks like the G7, G20 summit etc. When possible, India will also challenge China’s growing influence across these institutions.

                Japan and South Korea play a pivotal role in India’s East Asia strategy which is characterized by robust economic ties and strategic partnerships. In 2010, India and South Korea had signed the agreement CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in order to increase economic ties and trade between the two nations. In accordance with the agreement India is seeking to enhance its ties with South Korea. South Korea’s investments in India in industries such as electronics and automotive have paved a way to deepen bilateral economic linkages. Similarly, Japanese investment in India’s infrastructure, manufacturing and technology sectors have been significant and is something that India looks forward to post elections as well.

               Beyond economic interests, India’s approach to East Asia is shaped by evolving security dynamics, navigating regional complexities and safeguarding maritime interests. The indo-pacific region, encompassing critical sea lanes and checkpoints, demands high security cooperation and maritime awareness. China’s assertiveness in the south sea and its expanding naval presence in the Indian ocean region have prompted India to recalibrate its maritime strategy. strengthening naval capabilities, conducting joint exercises, and enhancing cooperation with the East Asian nations are integral to India’s efforts to safeguard its maritime interest and ensure regional stability.  Additionally, India’s active participation in East Asian multilateral institutions such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN regional forum (ARF), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) underscores its efforts to ensure regional peace, stability and prosperity, and also shows beyond doubt its focus on the East Asian countries.

            In conclusion, India’s post-election focus on East Asia marks a strategic imperative to deepen economic partnerships, address security concerns, and reinforce diplomatic agreements. As the global geopolitical landscape evolves, India’s proactive approach towards East Asia emphasizes its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. By harnessing economic synergies, enhancing security cooperation, and fostering diplomatic cooperation, India seeks to build an inclusive framework for regional prosperity and stability.

            In essence, India’s engagement with East Asia is not merely a strategic choice but a pivotal step towards shaping a world based on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and collective security.

References:

https://fulcrum.sg/aseanfocus/implications-of-indias-2024-election-outcomes-for-asean/

https://www.orfonline.org/research/new-indian-government-and-the-likely-trajectory-of-india-west-asia-ties

https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-trade-agreement-review-korea-japan-asean-32351.html/

https://www.bjp.org/bjp-manifesto-2024

Written and Reviewed by HSILF Team