Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the geopolitical context. State the significance of India as an alternative to China. 2. Understanding Supply Chain Diversification Definition: Explain what supply chain diversification means. Example: Highlight Apple’s move to manufacture iPhones in India. Fact: Apple’s production in India ...
Model Answer Introduction India’s Look East Policy (LEP), initiated in 1991, aimed to bolster economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. In the post-Cold War international scenario, this policy has been pivotal for India to leverage its geographical advantages and tRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s Look East Policy (LEP), initiated in 1991, aimed to bolster economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. In the post-Cold War international scenario, this policy has been pivotal for India to leverage its geographical advantages and tap into the dynamic economies of these regions.
Economic Dimension
1. Integration with ASEAN
The LEP led to India becoming a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1995, significantly enhancing economic cooperation.
2. Trade Growth
India-ASEAN trade skyrocketed from $2.9 billion in 1993 to $82.5 billion in 2020, showcasing the growing economic interdependence (Source: Ministry of Commerce, India).
3. Investment Inflows
Indian investment in ASEAN reached $41.9 billion in 2019, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy (Source: ASEAN Investment Report 2020).
4. Economic Reforms
The liberalization policies introduced in the 1990s attracted foreign direct investment (FDI), enhancing India’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Strategic Dimension
1. Counterbalancing China
The LEP serves to counterbalance China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia, promoting a multipolar regional order.
2. Maritime Cooperation
India has engaged in maritime security initiatives with ASEAN nations, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Regional Groupings
Joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2005 allowed India to participate in crucial regional security discussions, enhancing its strategic footprint.
4. Strengthening Security Partnerships
India has reinforced security cooperation with ASEAN countries through joint military exercises and defense agreements, solidifying its status as a regional power.
5. Connectivity Initiatives
Key projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aim to enhance connectivity and trade between India and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
India’s Look East Policy has succeeded in both economic and strategic dimensions, deepening integration with the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing strategic engagement with global powers like the United States and Japan. In the post-Cold War context, the LEP has established India as a significant player, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
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Model Answer Introduction In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, the West is strategically fostering India to reduce dependence on China's supply chain while also positioning it as a key ally against China's political and economic dominance. This approach encompasses various dimensions, incRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, the West is strategically fostering India to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain while also positioning it as a key ally against China’s political and economic dominance. This approach encompasses various dimensions, including supply chain diversification, trade agreements, and defense cooperation.
Supply Chain Diversification
The West is actively encouraging India to become a manufacturing hub. A notable example is Apple, which has begun manufacturing iPhones in India, significantly reducing its reliance on Chinese production facilities. This shift aligns with broader initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which aims to enhance trade and economic engagement in the region (U.S. Department of State, 2022).
Strategic Trade Agreements
The establishment of trade councils, such as the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), is another critical effort. This council aims to enhance technological collaboration and drive investments in India’s industrial sectors, making it a global manufacturing powerhouse (European Commission, 2022).
Defense Cooperation
To counter China’s influence, the West is enhancing military partnerships with India. The US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) exemplifies this commitment, focusing on defense technology collaboration to bolster India’s military capabilities (U.S. Department of Defense, 2023). Additionally, joint naval exercises, like the Quad naval drills, serve as a demonstration of military cooperation among India, the US, Japan, and Australia, ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region (Ministry of Defence, India, 2022).
Economic Engagement
Economically, US-India bilateral trade reached a record $128 billion in 2023, highlighting the West’s growing engagement with India as a reliable trade partner (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2023). Furthermore, initiatives to invest in India’s semiconductor and renewable energy sectors, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), aim to reduce dependency on Chinese technology and resources (International Solar Alliance, 2022).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the West’s efforts to foster India as a key alternative to China reflect a strategic pivot in global power dynamics, aiming for a more balanced multipolar world.
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