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 realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?

(a) ASEAN centrality

1. Act East policy based on commerce, culture & connectivity.
2. Development of North East - eg → Indo-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral corridor.
3. Better trade with ASEAN

(b) Rules based order

1. Freedom of navigation as important

Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) in Indo pacific.

(2) Ensure import security, fisheries & aquaculture, sea based trade (>90% by volume in sea)

(3) Control unilateral aggressions by China → eg in South China sea 9 Dash line.

(C) Partnership with Pacific Island States

(1) Better connectivity, trade & resource (hydrocarbons) potential.

(2) FIPIC for multilateral engagement → support of these states on forums like UNSC, WTO etc.

(3) Control military expansion of China in maritime domain (eg Solomon Islands - China partnership)

Hurdles in realisation of inclusive Indo Pacific construct

(1) China, Russia against the concept → they argue for 'Asia Pacific'.

(2) Differing definitions for US, Australia, China, Pacific islands, ASEAN etc.

(3) Balancing maritime with continental & US (Quad) with China (BRICS, SCO).

(4) Presence of IUU fishing, piracy, drugs smuggling etc.

Way forward

(1) Maintaining strategic autonomy & realising SAGAR vision.

(2) HADR assistance to littoral states.

(3) Acting as net security provider in the region, to secure free-open-inclusive Indo pacific.