India has emerged as a ray of hope for South-east Asia as a region mired by superpower rivalry. India has developed strong economic, political, and cultural ties with the countries of South-east Asia, and has provided much-needed economic assistance to many of them.
India has provided much-needed economic assistance to countries in the region, such as providing aid in the form of loans, grants, and concessional finance. India has also provided technical assistance in the form of training programs and capacity building. India has also provided expertise in areas such as agriculture, energy, health, and education to countries in the region.
India has also played a key role in promoting regional integration in South-east Asia. India has been an active participant in the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement among 15 countries in the region. India has also participated in important regional initiatives such as the East Asia Summit, the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, and the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
Furthermore, India has been a strong advocate for regional peace and stability in South-east Asia, and has been instrumental in promoting cooperation among the countries of the region. India has been a strong supporter of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and has supported the organization’s efforts to promote regional dialogue and cooperation. India has also been a strong advocate for the establishment of a regional security architecture in South-east Asia.
India’s role in the region has been invaluable in helping to reduce tensions between the major powers of the region. India’s involvement in South-east Asia has been seen not just as a source of economic and developmental assistance, but also as a positive force for peace and stability in the region.