Summary
As the world nears the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the urgency for addressing climate change and environmental degradation becomes increasingly apparent. The UN’s SDG initiative began in 2015, aiming to improve living standards and environmental conditions globally. However, progress has been slow, particularly in developing countries in Asia and Africa, largely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to these challenges, collaborative efforts among countries in Asia, particularly India, South Korea, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have emerged. These nations are focusing on joint initiatives in pivotal sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic growth. For instance, India and ASEAN have implemented a plan of action for 2021-2025 while Japan has rolled out a significant investment initiative for the region.
The strategic interests among India, South Korea, and ASEAN overlap primarily in ocean governance, trade, and infrastructure, especially given the rising influence of China in the South China Sea, which poses significant geopolitical and environmental threats. China’s militarization of artificial islands and coercive tactics against its neighbors complicate the regional security landscape. In response, ASEAN has emphasized the importance of maritime rules under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a means to adjudicate disputes.
Cooperation between ASEAN and South Korea has been longstanding, focusing on mutual development goals. South Korea’s New Southern Policy targets closer ties with Southeast Asian economies, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure and smart technologies. Recent collaboration involves funding for green finance initiatives aimed at ocean health, signalling a shift toward more environmentally focused economic partnerships.
India’s engagement with ASEAN is framed through its ‘Act East’ policy, which seeks to enhance connectivity and economic integration. Key projects include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and various initiatives aimed at boosting digital and maritime connectivity, as well as sustainable ocean resource management. Both India and ASEAN are exploring collaborative frameworks to improve trade, particularly to work towards a more effective ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA).
The burgeoning relationship between India and South Korea further reflects a shared developmental agenda, focusing on technological collaboration and infrastructure development. This mutual investment aims to align the economic policies of both countries to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
Despite the optimistic outlook for enhanced cooperation among these nations, challenges remain. The ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by geopolitical tensions and challenges in supply chain management, are hurdles that need addressing. A comprehensive approach integrating infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable practices is crucial for addressing these multifaceted challenges.
In conclusion, the collaboration among India, ASEAN, and South Korea presents a promising pathway to enhance regional stability and development. However, realizing these initiatives will depend on the commitment of these nations to work together on shared goals that transcend political and economic barriers, ultimately aiming for a thriving and sustainable Indo-Pacific region.
