India and South East Asia Region – Free PDF Download

The News

• Recently, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute recently released third The State of Southeast Asia: 2021 survey.
• The survey gives a reality check for India’s foreign policy establishment which considers, South East Asia as a successful area of its foreign policy.
• The big question is
  • Has Indian been really successful in this region?

The State of Southeast Asia: 2021 survey

• Please note that, the survey might not be representative of overall public opinion of South East Asia population but still, its more reflective of the ASEAN elite’s view.
• The survey constitutes negative feedback and is invaluable in understanding how New Delhi’s policies must change if our Act East policy is to yield better results.

Overall observation

Lets look closer

• According to survey:
  • ASEAN preference for aligning with USA has risen from 54% to 62% in one year.
  • ASEAN preference for “third parties“
    • Preferred partners are the EU and Japan – 40% support each.
    • Preferred partner – India – Only 7 %

Lets look closer

• According to survey:
  • Last year, more than 50% ASEAN respondents felt that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be worse off without India, with a majority seeing India’s exit from the trading bloc as damaging India-ASEAN relations.
  • This year, around 1 % respondents believe that rising Indian protectionism and nationalism will affect their prospects.

Lets look closer

• According to survey:
  • Indian soft power is waning.
  • Less than 1% respondents would select India as the preferred country for higher education or tourism.
  • On this count, ASEAN respondents prefer the West, Japan, China, and Korea ahead of India.

Eye opener

• Nitin Pai of Takshashila foundation
  • India needs to respond to South East Asian concerns. This will raise Indian influence in the region which is very much needed.

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