'The Durian Flavour' explores India-ASEAN ties after decade of 'Act East Policy'
New Delhi, July 30
The Indian Council of World Affairs organised a book discussion on 'The Durian Flavour: India-ASEAN After a Decade of the Act East Policy' by former Indian diplomat Gurjit Singh at Sapru House in New Delhi.
The discussion, held on July 27, was chaired by Ambassador Dammu Ravi, former Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Professor Prabir De, Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS); and Shristi Pukhrem, Director, Act East Centre, India Foundation, were the discussants.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Ambassador N J Gangte, Acting Deputy Director General, ICWA.
In a post on X, ICWA said, "The discussion centred around the India-ASEAN relationship, expectations and challenges. It encompassed India's role as a political, economic and security partner."
"The issues and the importance about Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in regional economic negotiations were also discussed," ICWA said.
The discussion also focused on "the socio-cultural aspects, B2B connect, supply chain resilience in ASEAN and prospects of connectivity between India and the Southeast and Far East Asian region as well as China's assertiveness in the region," according to ICWA.
Singh, who served as India's ambassador to Germany, Indonesia and Ethiopia, among other countries, announced the book's launch on the social media platform of Instagram Threads.
"#The Durian Flavour on #India #ASEAN & the #Act East Policy will be launched on 20 May. Please save the date and plan to join us!" Singh said.
The book traces the longstanding connections between India and Southeast Asia, including trade, culture and the exchange of ideas, while examining the evolution of India-ASEAN relations in the post-colonial era.
It explores how India and ASEAN can collaborate strategically in the Indo-Pacific, deepen economic cooperation, strengthen people-to-people ties and respond to changing geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges.
The book covers areas including trade, supply chains, economic growth, culture, mobility and regional cooperation, while examining opportunities for a stronger India-ASEAN partnership.
Singh has represented India at both ASEAN and the African Union and is an advocate of India's engagement with the Indo-Pacific. He is also the author of 'Masala Bumbu' and 'Travels Through Time' and serves as an Honorary Professor at IIT Indore.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see India's diplomatic depth with ASEAN. The book seems to cover both soft power and hard strategy. Always wondered why India hasn't joined RCEP yet - this discussion gives context.
Good to see ICWA hosting these nuanced conversations. The China assertiveness angle is crucial - we need stronger ties with ASEAN to balance the region. But also need more people-to-people exchanges, not just economic deals.
Impressive credentials - Gurjit Singh has been around the block. But honestly, we've been talking about Act East for a decade now. Where's the tangible trade increase? We're still behind China and Japan in ASEAN markets. Hope this book critiques our own policy gaps too. 🤔
The cultural connections mentioned here are underrated. From Angkor Wat to Bali's Ramayana, our shared heritage runs deep. But we need modern connectivity - more flights, easier visas, student exchanges. That's how soft power works. 📚🌺
Read his 'Masala Bumbu' - great insights on India-SEA ties. This new book covers RCEP and CPTPP which is timely. But does it address how smaller Indian states can benefit from ASEAN trade? Not just Delhi's policy wonks need to understand this.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.