ASEAN-INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

• In a step further in the expanding India-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) military cooperation, the maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) is set to begin, with war games in South China Sea.

Details

• The Navy chief is in Singapore for the exercise as well as to take part in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) being hosted by Singapore.

IMDEX-23 AND IMSC Since its inaugural edition in 1997, IMDEX, the maritime and defence exhibition has steered forward at the helm of the industry, becoming a platform for businesses of the sea to debut its latest vessels, systems and technologies. Established in 2009, the IMSC is co-organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). The conference brings together navy chiefs, coast guard director-generals, policy makers, strategic thinkers and maritime stakeholders to exchange ideas and discuss ways to enhance and foster mutual security in our maritime commons.

• AIME-2023 will provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work together closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain.

Recent developments in India-ASEAN relations

• The maiden India-ASEAN defence ministers’ meeting was held in 2022 at Siem Reap, Cambodia to commemorate the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations.
• The year 2022 has also been designated as the ‘ASEAN-India Friendship Year’.
• The India-ASEAN relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the ASEAN-India Summit held in Cambodia in 2022.
• At the special two-day ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (SAIFMM), the leaders agreed to cooperate in building more robust air and maritime connectivity along with working toward enhancing cooperation in the field of defence.
• ADMM-Plus meeting also took place. The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners - Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States (collectively referred to as the "Plus Countries") - to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.

MUST READ ARTICLES:

About ASEAN: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/asean-consensus

PRACTICE QUESTION Q)The India-ASEAN relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the ASEAN-India Summit held in Cambodia in 2022. Discuss the irritants in the India-ASEAN relations and various steps that have been taken to overcome them. (250 words)

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/34697/OPS/GP6B694QQ.1+G1CB69G6B.1.html