The Way Forward: Towards 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Relations
Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia participated as a panelist at edition VIII of the Delhi Dialogue hosted by IDSA.
Courtesy: MEA/Government of India
Myanmar in the ASEAN matrix
Myanmar, currently listed as one of the least developed nations by the UN, provides its neighbouring countries the opportunity to invest in one of the world’s last few business frontiers. Sushma Swaraj on her maiden visit to Nay Pyi Taw should continue to strengthen ties based on economic goals to develop largely underdeveloped areas along the common border as well use Myanmar’s increasing weight in the ASEAN grouping
Courtesy: Prime Minister's Office
India-ASEAN’s elusive services FTA
The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in services and trade will allow India to leverage its competitive offerings in IT, finance, among other fields. But the pact has proved elusive so far due to the open squabbling between ministries. The deal now looks set to come through only after the new government takes over
Lessons from the Chin-Mizo experience
The experience between the people of Myanmar’s Chin Hills and of Mizoram’s Lushai Hills shows that increased cross-border interaction has influenced the economic situation on both sides of the border. Sanjay Pulipaka blogs about the challenges and opportunities that come with increased exchanges across the border.
Courtesy: MEAIndia/Flickr
Promoting private players in ASEAN
The steps taken by the Indian government to enable private sector involvement in ASEAN have been hesitant. After the recent ASEAN summit in New Delhi, it is time for greater coordination of Indian private industry with government-to-government interaction, which will benefit all members, including India.
Courtesy: Shwkyn231/Flickr
India’s foreign policy: A year in review
The year 2012 has been a busy one for foreign policy: from escalating disputes in the South China Sea to alternate financial instruments from the emerging world. India’s foreign policy too has its shown strengths and weaknesses. We present our top foreign policy Hotspots, Sweet spots and Blind spots for 2012.
Courtesy: Abhisit Vejjajiva/WikimediaCommons
ASEAN-China: Classic collaboration dilemma
At present, the ASEAN is at a critical phase in its dealings with China – the regional hegemon with growing heft. Why do ASEAN nations need to collaborate and find innovative ways to deal with its giant neighbour.
From China to ASEAN: Rebalancing India’s trade
New Delhi has actively worked with Beijing to address its massive bilateral trade deficit. However, it has another option. India can seek greater economic integration with ASEAN and substitute its imports from China with that of ASEAN. The India-ASEAN Summit on December 20 would be a good place to start.
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Gunkarta
Myanmar in the ASEAN Matrix: An opportunity for India?
As India and the world welcome the recent democratization of Myanmar, this presents India an opportunity to increase its access to South East Asian countries as well, especially with members of ASEAN which still have catching up to do – particularly Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Htoo Tay Zar
Sanctions on Myanmar: Have they worked?
The West is quick to claim that their sanctions against Myanmar have forced the government to implement political and economic reforms in the country. However, such bans do not usually achieve their stated purpose of forcing regimes to change their behavior.