Why is it in news?

Lauding India’s positive role in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s growing assertiveness, all ASEAN leaders expressed a desire to play a more pro-active and assertive role to ensure ‘peace, stability and prosperity’ in the region.

Details

• The leaders lauded India’s growth story as it was one of the fastest growing economies and also, there have been positive reforms undertaken to ensure a more welcoming, inclusive and productive growth
• The ASEAN leaders also sought a more assertive role of India in the Asian region especially in the wake of China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and in Asia as a whole. India can act as an effective counterbalance, which can help other countries in the region to preserve their interests from threats.
• The leaders agreed to set up a mechanism on marine cooperation to counter traditional and non-traditional challenges faced by the region.
• The need to collectively fight against terrorism was also emphasized.
• India also announced a dedicated training course in highway engineering, setting up of a virtual network of universities, and pilot projects to set up digital infrastructure at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. Further, an ASEAN-India Startup festival will be held later this year.
• The participating countries also agreed to celebrate 2019 as the year of tourism for ASEAN nations.
• The strengthening on India-ASEAN relations will be followed by further diplomacy when Delhi will host Cambodian leader Hun Sen for a bilateral visit.

Conclusion and way forward

• The leaders of ASEAN have realized the importance of India in the region and have therefore placed a lot of hope, aspirations and expectations on India. It shows the amount of presence India has in the region.
• So, it is now India’s one of the greatest responsibilities to adhere to the hopes, fulfill the expectations and undertake the responsibilities placed on it in a holistic and sincere manne
• This is also a testimony of the brimming potential that India holds. Now it is upon the ruling establishment and the people to extract the most out of it.
• This is one of the greatest opportunities for India to effectively prove its mettle as a responsible future superpower. A vast variety of opportunities will open up for India if it comes through and proves itself to the world.

Source

The Hindu, The Indian Express