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ASEAN AND THE PRESENT INDIAN PRIME MINISTER, NARENDRA MODI

Deepika Singh

Department of Political Science, Bharati College, University of Delhi, India

Corresponding author: singh.deepika317ganga@gmail.com

Abstract

Foreign policy is a key element of the public debate in India. India’s new Prime Minister

Narendra Modi has signalled a commitment to continue his nation’s “Look East” foreign

policy in a world of growing Asian influence. Since India initiated its Look East Policy in

1990s India's relationship with ASEAN remains one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy.

It is worthwhile to mention here that India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in

1992, which was upgraded to full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002, India have had

annual Summits with ASEAN. ASEAN and India commemorated the 20th anniversary of

dialogue-level partnership and the 10th anniversary of Summit-level partnership with a

Commemorative Summit in New Delhi under the theme 'ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace

and Shared Prosperity' on December 20-21, 2012. The present Indian Prime minister has

emphasised the importance of regional cooperation since his oath ceremony when he invited

the heads of SAARC countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy with respect to

South East Asia is equally unlikely to be controversial: good relations with countries like

Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore are important not only economically but also to counter

China’s growing influence in the region. This paper would endeavour to examine how under

the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi India looks towards the regional

organisation in general and ASEAN in particular.

Keywords: Look East Policy, Regional Organisation, Foreign Policy, Commercial Interest

and Economic Interest.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Foreign policy forms a key element of the public debate in India. In a world of growing Asian

influence, India’s new Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has signalled a commitment to

continue his nation’s “Look East” foreign policy. India's relationship with ASEAN

(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) forms a cornerstone of this policy since it was

initiated in the 1990s. It is worth mentioning that in 1992, India became a sectorial dialogue

partner of ASEAN which was upgraded to a full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002

onwards, India and Asean have held annual summits and have signified the 20th anniversary

of their dialogue-level partnership and the 10th anniversary of their Summit-level partnership

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with a Commemorative Summit in New Delhi under the theme 'ASEAN-India Partnership for

Peace and Shared Prosperity' on December 20–21, 2012.

Prime Minister Modi has emphasised the importance of regional cooperation by

inviting the heads of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries

on his oath taking ceremony. India’s new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

will broadly follow a continuation in policy with respect to South East Asia which will be

uncontroversial and will maintain good relations with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and

Singapore are as well, not only for strengthening the region’s economy but also to counter

China’s growing influence in the region. This paper will endeavour to examine how under the

leadership of Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, India looks towards the regional

organisation in general and ASEAN in particular.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

Since the present Indian government is in its early stage, not much document is available.

The visits by the Indian Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have been covered by

both the print and electronic media. This paper is based on the primary sources i.e., speeches

by the Indian Prime Minister in Nepal, Bhutan, and BRICS (Association of Brazil, Russia,

India, China and South Africa). The official statements issued by the spokesperson of the

Ministry of External Affairs after the visits of Indian Minister of External Affairs provide

some insights to decipher India’s vision towards ASEAN. Secondary sources such as books

and articles have also been beneficial in developing an understanding of the basic nuances of

India’ foreign policy.

3.0 RESULTS

3.1 Introduction

The 16th

Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 expressed a paradigm shift in Indian politics

wherein thee oldest political party of India, the Indian National Congress which has ruled

India for almost 60 years, were able to garner only 44 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party got

the absolute majority and its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was sworn in as the

Prime Minister of India on 26th

May 2014. Since the foreign policy is the backbone of any

country’s economic growth and strategic security, it is serious matter of concern for the

present Indian government. Narendra Modi belongs to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) whose

philosophy is based on Integral humanism, Hindutva (For BJP Hindutya means Nationalism

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and it does not convey theocratic meaning, it locates its philosophical moorings in cultural

nationalism or Hindutva and fashions its worldview with the implements of this tradition). In

the foreign policy realm it is guided by protectionism. Modi had been the chief Minister of

Gujrat for almost 15 years prior to his Prime minister ship. As chief minister he built a strong

relationship with China, visited it at least four times and successfully attracted Chinese

investment into Gujarat. Neither his nationalist outlook nor national security concerns stood

in the way of his wooing of Beijing.

This paper is divided into three sections. The first part of the paper would deal with

basic nuances of Indian Foreign policy and the paradigm shift because of the change of

Government. The second section of the paper would draw the attention towards the foreign

policy related initiatives taken by the present Indian Government under the leadership of

Narendra Modi. Finally the third section of the paper would deal with the background of

INDIA- ASEAN engagement and Modi’s initiatives with countries like Myanmar and

Singapore, which prove the proposition that Modi’s foreign policy is based on economic

reciprocity.

3.2 Basic Nuances of Indian Foreign Policy

Indian Foreign policy has been shaped by the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal

Nehru. He was a recalcitrant follower of Gandhian Satyagraha during the freedom struggle;

Nehru was keen on adapting Gandhian teachings to international relations.

Therefore impression of Gandhian Principles can be seen on Indian foreign policy tenets

non-alignment

Panchsheel

anti-colonialism

disarmament and

Integral World

All the above mentioned tenets of India’s Foreign Policy are based on two central

Gandhian paradigms of ‘tolerance’ and ‘means justifying ends’. After being governed by the

Indian National Congress for almost 60 years, the Bhartiya Janata Pary has emerged as

another political alternative in India.

Before Narendra Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpyee from BJP had served as India’s Prime

Minister for one term. Though The Indian National Congress and Bhartia Janta Party are

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parties with two different ideologies but in the realm of foreign policy it appears that they

both converge to Nehru’s legacy.

Thus the objective of India’s foreign policy can be viewed as

To protect and promote our political and social systems of democracy and pluralism

Enhance Indian economy.

In order to achieve the above mentioned goal by any country following conditions are

prerequisites.

Stable global order and a peaceful neighbourhood.

An open and equitable international trading system.

A secure financial system based on reliable, affordable and secure energy supplies;

and, food security.

Bilateral as well as international partnerships of technology and innovation are

required.1

3.3 Narendra Modi and His Foreign Policy Priorities

Though it has not been very long since Narendra Modi was sworn as Prime Minister of the

country, but it has become easy to unveil his foreign policy visions from his first few

initiatives. From his visits to Bhutan, Brazil (BRICS) Summit, and Nepal it is apparent that

his foreign policy is driven by commercial objective. The speech delivered by Prime Minister

Narendra Modi on Independence Day on 15th

August clearly emphasised on the problem of

‘poverty’ suffered by India and the neighbouring countries. From his speech it is clear that he

advocates for economic reciprocity with India’s neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his oath taking ceremony has emphasised on

regional cooperation symbolically by inviting the SAARC leaders. The first gesture shown by

Narendra Modi underlines his intention of cordial and cooperative relations with its

neighbours. It is Important to mention here that though Modi is not liberal in his outlook, like

his predecessor BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was , but his emphasis on

economic matters will require him to adopt a “soft policy towards the rich countries.”

Regional powers such as SAARC, BRICS and ASEAN would be on his priority agenda for

economic engagement. From amongst India’s neighbouring region , a few countries such as

1 Jain,B.M.(2008).Global Power: India’s Foreign Policy 1947-2006,Lexington Books,Lanham,14-49.

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China, Japan and Singapore are on top priority of Modi’s economic diplomacy because, as

chief minister of Gujrat, he had already built strong economic ties with these are the

countries.

Co-relation between domestic factors and a country’s foreign policy is crucial.

Therefore at the domestic front Modi appears to be keen on federalising foreign policy which

means state governments would be granted greater say in the formulation and execution of

foreign policy. Since India is vast country and many states share a border with neighbouring

countries, in Modi understanding states have special links with other countries, whether due

to shared borders, historical links, or cultural commonalities and hence they should be

consulted in framing policies and crafting strategies with that country.

By the above observations, “Modi’s Doctrine’ can be assumed to be based on

following factors:

economic cooperation through regional ties and maintaining strategic security,

more assertive actions against “cross-border terrorism,”

greater attention to long-term policy planning,

a bigger role for the military in shaping India’s national security,

greater concern for the states in the government’s formulation and execution of

foreign policy.

3.4 India-Bhutan: A New Beginning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi after resuming office scheduled his first two days visit on 14

July 2014, to Bhutan. It was a very significant gesture of giving importance to a small

country also. Modi described Bhutan as a natural choice for his first visit abroad as the two

countries shared a "special relationship''. The fact that the Prime Minister chose Bhutan as his

first foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo

it and establish full- fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu. India concluded extensive

development cooperation and ways to further enhance economic ties were discussed by both

the parties. During this visit India and Bhutan agreed on following issues.

India and Bhutan reiterated their commitment to achieve the 10,000 MW target in

hydropower cooperation.

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Both the nations showed their commitment to fight against terrorism and not to

allow their territories to be used for interests "inimical" to each other.

India's would assist in projects like the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan,

and laying foundation stone of the 600MW Kholongchu Hydro-electric project. It

is a joint venture between India and Bhutan.

A number of measures and concessions including the exemption of Bhutan from

any ban on export of milk powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati rice

were announced.

The two sides recalled the free trade arrangement between them and the

expanding bilateral trade and its importance in further cementing their friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mooted the idea of an annual hill sports

festival with India's north-eastern states along with Bhutan and Nepal.

Modi announced doubling of scholarships being provided to Bhutanese students

in India which will now be worth Rs 2 crore of Indian Rupees.

India will also assist Bhutan to set up its digital library which will provide access

to Bhutanese youth to two million books and periodicals.2

3.5 Revival of ‘Forgotten’ Relationship with Nepal

Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Nepal on 3 August 2014, in 17

years. It is a remarkable fact that Modi became the first head of any foreign country to

address the Nepal’s parliament since its transformation as parliamentary democracy in 1990.

During his speech Narendra Modi outlined Indian policy towards Nepal. Through his speech

the pre-eminence of following objectives emerged:

Modi highlighted the cultural and historical ties between India and Nepal by calling

Nepal as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In his words “Our relations are as old as

Himalayas and Ganga and therefore our relationship isn’t based on documents but

through hearts of our people”.

Narendra Modi emphasised on federal, democratic and republican political system.

He applauded Nepal for resorting to ‘shaashtra’ (scriptures),” and defying shastra’

(weapons).

2 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Narendra-Modi-in-Bhutan-says-neighbours-will-benefit-from-strong-

India/articleshow/36646924.cms

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The principle of non-interference with any country’s sovereignty was also

underlined. Modi stressed that Nepal is a sovereign country and is free to make its

own choices and India can only offer support when sought.

The Indian Prime Minister also proposed ‘HIT’ formula for development —

highways, information technology and transmission lines for electricity.

H: Highways, I: I-ways and T: Transways.

India offered $1billion to Nepal.

Increased scholarships to Nepali students was promised

Indian Prime Minister also expressed India’s desire to import electricity from Nepal

in order to overcome its power crisis.3

3.6 Narendra Modi at BRICS Summit

During the BRICS summit in July 2014, the following points were highlighted by the Indian

Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

Peaceful, balanced and stable world order.

He emphasised on open international trading regime for global economic growth.

He expressed his concern for uncertain economic environment which is great

hurdle in economic prospects. He endorsed the idea of Development Bank by

BRICS countries.

As his development plan for India he highlighted heavy investment in

infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, education and clean energy.

For BRICS members Narendra Modi urged for decentralization in its functioning.

In this regard he suggested that BRICS leaders should resort to "beyond summit

and leader-centric deliberations and champion sub-national level exchanges".

In his words "we must encourage engagement between our states, cities and other

local bodies," Further he said, "Popularizing our languages through dedicated BRICS

language schools in all BRICS countries could be a beginning in this direction." He suggested

the idea of a BRICS University as well as cooperation in areas like health, education,

agriculture, resource management and urban development and a young scientists’ forum.

3 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-nepal-parliament-sushil-koirala-kathmandu-new-delhi-

modivisitnepal/1/375395.html

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Finally cooperation between small and medium enterprises and a common framework for

promoting tourism was emphasised by Indian Prime Minister.

After analysing the above extensive cooperation endeavours with Bhutan, BRICS and

Nepal it becomes clear that though economic reciprocity is the foundation of India’s foreign

policy under the leadership of Narendra Modi, other areas such as security, cultural,

educational, technological are also given due importance and recognition in intensifying the

relationship.4

India’s Look East Policy: Intensification of India-ASEAN Engagement

As a continuation of India’s traditional ‘Look East Policy’ India's relationship with ASEAN

remains one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy. The biggest challenge before Modi’s

Government is to seek balance between strategic security and opportunities in with our larger

neighbours. Since China has emerged the most prominent both strategically and

economically in its endeavours in East Asia, a primary challenge before India with in the

Asian perspective is that it has to transform its image of being merely a ‘promising partner’ to

a ‘delivering partner’ among its immediate neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood’. In

order to balance the rising Chinese power India has to play the role of ‘Delivering Partner’.

Similarly, our ‘Look East’ policy needs to go deeper at strategic level. In the opinion of

former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton India should “not just to look east but engage

east and act east as well.” Another challenge before Narendra Modi is how to make ‘Look

East Policy’ a landmark of regional cooperation; India has to transcend its engagement from

South Asia to beyond South Asia.

ASEAN- India Engagement in nutshell:

ASEAN-India relations commenced as a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992.

Full dialogue partnership between India-ASEAN was established in December

1995.

With the convening of the ASEAN-India Summit in 2002 in Phnom Penh,

Cambodia the relationship further elevated (ASEAN- India Summit has been held

annually afterwards) .

4 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/brics-summit-pm-modi-to-push-for-new-development-bank-in-

new-delhi/

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At the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held on 20 December 2012 in New

Delhi, India, the Leaders adopted the ASEAN-India Vision Statement and

declared that the ASEAN-India Partnership stands elevated to a Strategic

Partnership.

Political and Security Cooperation between India and ASEAN

It is beyond any doubt that Indian foreign policy has always prioritised in establishing peace,

security, stability and development in its own country, immediate neighbours, and the

extended neighboured hood and worldwide. In this regard India acceded to the Treaty of

Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on 8 October 2003 during the 2nd

ASEAN-

India Summit in Bali, Indonesia. At the same occasion, ASEAN and India also signed a Joint

Declaration for Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, symbolising concrete

initiatives to step up cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

India- ASEAN commitments for the above mentioned goal intensified with the

Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity, which sets out the roadmap for a long-

term ASEAN-India engagement, was signed at the 3rd

ASEAN-India Summit on 30

November 2004 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. A Plan of Action (2004–2010) was also developed

to implement the Partnership. The 7th

ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2009 also noted

with satisfaction the steady progress of implementation of the ASEAN-India Partnership for

Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity. The Summit also agreed on a new and more enhanced

phase of the Plan of Action to implement the said Partnership in order to seize the

opportunities and overcome the challenges arising from the global financial crisis and

evolving political and economic landscape. Subsequently, the new ASEAN-India Plan of

Action for 2010–2015 was developed and adopted by the Leaders at the 8th

ASEAN-India

Summit in October 2010 in Ha Noi.

At the 10th

ASEAN-India Summit on 9 October 2012 in Bandar Seri Begawan, India

announced its intention to establish a separate Diplomatic Mission to ASEAN with a

Resident Ambassador as an illustration of the intensification of the ASEAN-India Strategic

Partnership. ASEAN and India marked the 20th

anniversary of their Dialogue Relations in

2012 with a Commemorative Summit held in India on 20 December 2012.5

Economic Cooperation

5 www.asean.org accessed on 29 Aug 2014

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It is unfortunate that volume of trade and investment flows between ASEAN and

India remained relatively low compared with other dialogue partners of ASEAN. Between

1993 and 2003, ASEAN-India bilateral trade grew at an annual rate of 11.2%, from US$ 2.9

billion in 1993 to US$ 12.1 billion in 2003.

The total trade between ASEAN and India grew by 5.3%, from US$ 68.2 billion in

2011 to US$ 71.8 billion in 2012. At the 10th

ASEAN-India Summit in November 2012, the

Leaders set the target of US$100 billion by 2015 for ASEAN-India trade. Foreign direct

investments (FDI) from India rebounded from negative US$ 1.7 billion in 2011 to US$ 2.6

billion in 2012.

Acknowledging this trend and recognising the economic potential of closer linkages,

both sides recognised the opportunities for deepening trade and investments, and agreed to

negotiate a framework agreement to pave the way for the establishment of an ASEAN-India

Free Trade Area.

During the 10th

ASEAN-India Summit in November 2012, the ASEAN-India Leaders

tasked their economic ministers to step up their efforts and flexibility to conclude the

ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreement at the earliest. Subsequently, an

announcement on the conclusion of the negotiations on both Agreements on ASEAN-India

Trade in Services and Investment was made at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit

on 20 December 2012. The concluded draft Agreement is targeted to be signed in the near

future.

ASEAN and India are also working on enhancing private sector engagement,

including the re-activation of the ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC), the holding of the

first ASEAN-India Business Summit (AIBS) and an ASEAN-India Business Fair and

Conclave (AIBFC), which was held in New Delhi on 2–6 March 2011 in which an estimated

500 trade exhibitors, business leaders, practitioners and entrepreneurs from ASEAN and

India to showcased their products and services.

In 2012, India participated for the first time in the 21st ASEAN Land Transport

Working Group (LTWG) Meeting. During the Meeting, India presented her initiatives for

enhanced cooperation on ASEAN Action Plan, covering various sectors such as land

transport, maritime transport, border management, customs, immigration, logistics and safety

and Public Private Partnership (PPP).

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The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway Project and its extension to Laos

and Cambodia is one of current proposed projects to achieve greater ASEAN-India physical

connectivity. The project is planned to connect the ASEAN Highway Network with the

highway system in eastern India.

In tourism, the number of visitor arrivals from India to ASEAN in 2012 was 2.84

million, an increase from 2.711 million in 2011. The 2nd

Meeting of ASEAN and India

Tourism Ministers (ATM + India) held on 25 January 2010 in Bandar Seri Begawan

supported the establishment of the ASEAN Promotional Chapter for Tourism (APCT) in

Mumbai.

To further enhance tourism collaboration between ASEAN and India through concrete

activities, during the 3rd

ATM + India held on 12 January 2012 in Manado, Indonesia, the

ASEAN and India Tourism Ministers signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

between ASEAN and India on Strengthening Tourism Cooperation, which would serve as the

key instrument for more action-oriented cooperation, encouraging both parties to cooperate in

facilitating travel and tourist visits and further strengthen the close tourism partnership.

Further on connectivity, the 10th

ASEAN-India Summit welcomed the establishment

of India’s Inter-Ministerial Group on Connectivity and encouraged regular exchanges

between the Group and the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) to

explore concrete ways and means to support the MPAC, in particular in areas where India has

strong expertise and interest.

A Significant developments can also be seen in the cooperation in the agriculture and

forestry sector as ASEAN and India have successfully held the first and second ASEAN-

India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry on 8 October 2011 in Jakarta,

Indonesia and on 17 October 2012 in New Delhi, India, respectively. The Ministers adopted

the Medium Term Plan of Action for ASEAN-India Cooperation in Agriculture (2011–2015)

with the view on promoting and intensifying cooperation in the agriculture and forestry sector

between ASEAN and India, in order to meet the challenges of food security, to exchange

information and technology, to cooperate on research and development projects, to encourage

agriculture and forestry-related industries, and to strengthen human resources development.6

Socio-Cultural Cooperation

6 ibid

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Over the years, ASEAN-India socio-cultural cooperation has been expanded to include

human resource development, science and technology (S&T), people-to-people contacts,

health and pharmaceuticals, transport and infrastructure, small and medium enterprises

(SMEs), tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, energy and

Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI). All cooperation projects are funded by the ASEAN-

India Fund (AIF).

Based on the ASEAN-India Vision Statement adopted by the Commemorative

Summit in November 2012, ASEAN and India launched the ASEAN-India Centre located in

Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in New Delhi to promote,

among others, trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges. ASEAN and India are

currently developing the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing the ASEAN-India

Centre.7

After observing the diverse areas of cooperation and engagement it becomes evident

that the India-ASEAN relationship is very intensely formulated on policy level. Now the

present government under the leadership of Narendra Modi is, at least through few initiatives

in Myanmar and Singapore endeavouring to be a real partner so far as execution of the

agreements are concerned.

India- Myanmar

During her visit to Myanmar on 12 August 2014, Indian External Affairs Minister,

Sushma Swaraj, during a meeting with her counterpart, Lwin, expressed her concern over the

issue of insurgent outfits and outfits banned by India setting up bases in Myanmar. Both the

foreign ministers discussed connectivity projects, including land, maritime and air

connectivity and the much awaited trilateral highway which will connect India-Myanmar-

Thailand to facilitate people-to-people contact and trade. In Sushma Swaraj’s words “I have

suggested that a direct flight be started from Delhi-Bodhgaya-Yangon. Right now, flights to

Myanmar are all through Bangkok. We need to rectify this,’’she said.

India-Singapore:

Apart from calling on the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, Sushma

Swaraj Swaraj held talks with her counterpart in Singapore, K Shanmugam and also called on

7 ibid

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former premier Goh Chok Tong. She also held a series of meetings including with Prime

Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Since the Modi government through their first Budget has

emphasised on infrastructure. They have proposed 100 smart cities near mega cities of India

through the Union Budget 2014 and Rs 7,060 crores has been allocated for this purpose. The

Indian Government envisions that Singapore could cooperate with India to develop a 'little

Singapore' along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor under the new government's 100

smart cities project.

Singapore has assured of committed cooperation on areas like water management and

urban rejuvenation, officials said that Sushma Swaraj advocated for enhanced trade ties. Air

and maritime connectivity and coastal development with Singapore was also emphasised by

the Indian side. Review of comprehensive economic cooperation agreements to stimulate

future economic ties was advocated. In this regard India and Singapore agreed to enhance its

economic ties in key areas of investment and trade which has witnessed a huge surge from

USD 4.2 billion to about USD 19.4 billion in the last decade. Concrete projects in skills

development, capacity building, and rejuvenation of Indian cities and to enhance cultural ties

were also given importance in this meeting.

The Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN's centrality in the regional

architecture as well as the growing and wide-ranging cooperation between ASEAN and India.

They looked forward to the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment

between ASEAN and India by the end of 2014. Both the sides expressed confidence that

ASEAN and India could work together to advance the Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP), which would be a high-quality, comprehensive and mutually beneficial

economic agreement, taking into account the diverse circumstances and levels of

development of different members.

4.0 CONCLUSION

India- ASEAN relations operates in the background of intense and ancient cultural ties. It is

an established fact that India believes in cultural harmony and exchange without any element

of imposition. India’s cultural ties with South East Asia are very deep rooted. It is as old as

5th century BC. According to the Buddhist texts, Jataka mentions about Indians visiting

Suvarnadvipa (island of gold) which is now identified with Java. Such contacts are even

33

proved by evidences in forms of semi-precious stones from the coastal sites of Vietnam,

Indonesia and Thailand.

It is interesting to note that even the trade ties between India and ASEAN are not the

result of so called modern government endeavours. Since ASEAN countries are rich in

sandalwood, cloves, cardamom as well as camphor, therefore Indians started trading these

items because these were required by Buddhist to meet their ritual requirements of the

settlers. This created a situation which spread Indian social and cultural ideas in Southeast

Asia without uprooting the local culture.

Apart from Buddhism the worship of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu is

also quite popular since the ancient times in ASEAN countries. Till today, temples have been

found at various places which depict distinct traces of Indian influence and inspiration. One

of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the Angkor vat temple built in the

12th

century by Surya Varman II, the then king of Kambuja (now Cambodia).The temple is

surrounded by a moat, filled with water comprising a number of Shiv Lings. Besides these, it

has a huge gopuram (gateway) and a number of galleries, the walls of which are decorated

with sculptures based on themes drawn from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

In this strong cultural ties with ASEAN the vision of Narendra Modi’s foreign policy

priorities can very easily be understood by statement of External Affairs Minister, Sushma

Swaraj, during her Myanmar visit, “in the past two-and-a-half months, I have accompanied

the Prime Minister to Bhutan and have myself visited Bangladesh, Nepal and now Myanmar.

The neighbouring states that are left will be covered over the next few months. The visits to

our neighbouring countries are especially important in light of security issues and threats.”

Through these initial endeavours of the present Indian Government it becomes easy to

assume the future strands of India’s vision towards regional organisation in general and

ASEAN in particular.

After analysing India’s initial extensive cooperation endeavours with Bhutan, BRICS

and Nepal, it becomes clear that though economic reciprocity is the foundation of India’s

foreign policy under the leadership of Narendra Modi, other areas such as security, cultural,

educational, and technology are also given due importance. The SARRC countries appears to

be on top agenda of Indian view point in almost every sphere i.e economic cooperation,

promoting people to people contact through strengthening cultural ties, cooperation in

scientific development and educational collaborations.

34

From the above observation of India’s beginning with its immediate neighbours

Bhutan, Nepal, BRICS and ASEAN, the base of “Modi’s doctrine” appears to be ‘economic

interest’ and superstructure to be security and the fight against terrorism, strengthening

cultural ties, and technological cooperation.

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