Question 20GS2GS2

How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realising the Indo-Pacific construct?

Main Body

ASEAN is the organisation of eleven Southeast Asian countries which form large chunk of world trade, GDP and population. Indo-pacific is fresh emerging as a centre of global geopolitical happenings due to increase rivarly between China and USA. As China is trying to increase its influence through trade, military power and political engagements. USA is trying to preserve its hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region by rebalancing and reorienting its partnerships and strategy. India also has a large stake in Indo-Pacific not only as a outsider but it presents a large opportunith for India to emerge as a primary partner of

Indo-pacific nations like Asean and islands that are seeking for strategic autonomy and neutrality in US-China conflict. India has unique geographic position, economical heft and historical goodwill to counterbalance both USA and Chinese attempts to influence Indo-pacific region. Asean centrality rules to the vision that the south-east asian countries are the stakeholders to any frame in Indo-pacific rather than outside powers. By increasing its engagement with ASEAN nations through trade and ASEAN-India summit, India can help ASEAN countries solve the dilemma of taking sides in USA-China conflict while also reaping benefits for itself. Similarly, many under-pacific island nations like Fiji, Solomon islands, PNG also

face the same dilemma and India through providing developmental assistance and voice to them in global platform can gain influence with them. e.g. PNG, PM called India as a leader of global south. but the major point of contention is the notion of Indo-Pacific itself which many countries in SEA/bio think that is unnecessary and decreases their importance. They argue to call it as Asia-Pacific rather than Indo-Pacific. Betting for Asian centrality and space for strategic maneuvering so it is necessary that India engages with Indo-pacific countries free from the influence of USA or the fear of China to fully hinde and optimize the relationship and role of India with regards to Indo-pacific.

— BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD · AIR 226

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Topper

BEHERE-SHUBHAM-SHARAD

AIR 2262025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

International Institutions, Agencies and Fora - Structure and Mandate

Important International Institutions

ASEAN and Indo-Pacific strategy

Writing Stats

317

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like firecrackers industry are concerned, International Labour Organization (ILO) has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this age is 14 years. The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered entities. One typical unit is household-based work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based works. Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To evade child labour norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ children from outside. Needless to say that employing children saves the costs for these units leading to higher profits to the owners. On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10-15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk, when the owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children are able to satisfactorily establish their relationship with each other. Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. What would be your reaction after your above visit?

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