Panellists:
- Dr. Kai Ostwald, Director of the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia; Senior Fellow, APF Canada
- Dr. Karthik Nachiappan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore; Senior Fellow, APF Canada
- Derek Grossman, Senior Defence Analyst at RAND
Moderator:
- Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-president Research & Strategy, APF Canada
As a champion of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific,’ India is rapidly emergency as a vital partner to Southeast Asian nations. While historical and cultural ties buttress this relationship, strategic imperatives stemming from the need to counterbalance China, growing economic relations, and maritime cooperation bolster the present moment of closeness. Recently enhanced defense ties, such as arms deals with Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam; the ASEAN-India maritime exercises co-hosted by India and Singapore; and New Delhi’s pledge to support the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, highlight a proactive foreign policy approach in the face of China's assertiveness in the region. Of note is also New Delhi’s shift from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ and its evolving maritime strategies which place a much greater emphasis on the ‘Indo-Pacific.’
As India seeks to enhance cooperation with Southeast Asian countries through various bilateral, minilateral, and multilateral platforms, this panel of experts, convened jointly by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Simon Fraser University, will delve into the complexities of forging robust partnerships in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of expanding great power rivalries. The objective will be to unpack and explore the intersections of security, economic interests, and the pursuit of a rules-based international order.
The panel discussion will also offer a chance to explore how Canada and other Western powers can gain from investing in India as a bridge to the Indo-Pacific region. India's growing economic might, strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region, and historical and cultural ties with Southeast Asian nations place it in a unique position. In addition, Western powers share interests and values with India in promoting peace and security across the Indo-Pacific and in strengthening opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
