In the evolving geopolitical landscape, the rise of the Indo-Pacific construct has significantly influenced regional cooperation, exemplified by the strategic partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Established in 1967 and 1997, respectively, these two regional organisations are key players within the Indo-Pacific framework. Asean consists of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, while IORA comprises 23 member states bordering the Indian Ocean. Both organisations share common concerns, particularly regarding regional security threats such as maritime piracy, terrorism, and territorial disputes. These shared security challenges underscore the necessity of a collaborative approach.
In addition to security issues, improving maritime connectivity and infrastructure is vital for economic integration and trade facilitation, while fostering people-to-people exchanges strengthens cultural ties and enhances regional resilience through effective disaster management.
The Indo-Pacific region is of immense economic and geopolitical significance, serving as a conduit for approximately 60 per cent of global maritime trade and contributing to two-thirds of global economic growth. Key maritime chokepoints, such as the Straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok, are critical for the transportation of oil and other essential resources.
Furthermore, the region is rich in natural resources, including offshore oil and gas reserves, and is home to rapidly growing economies such as India and Indonesia. The region’s geopolitical importance is further emphasised by the increased military presence and strategic competition among major powers like the United States, China, and India.
Meanwhile, the US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy, commonly referred to as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), seeks to ensure peace, stability, and freedom of navigation across key chokepoints and sea lines of communication. This strategy emphasises modernised alliances and strengthened partnerships with regional allies to counterbalance China’s growing influence, while enhancing India’s role as a leading regional power. Asean’s centrality is recognised as crucial for maintaining regional stability and fostering economic growth, necessitating a more coordinated approach between Asean and IORA.
However, despite the potential for cooperation, several significant challenges impede the Asean-IORA partnership. The evolving nature of warfare and international relations has made security issues more complex. The convergence of state and non-state actors, along with the blend of conventional and irregular warfare, presents various strategic challenges that may hinder Asean-IORA collaboration. These challenges must be analysed from the strategic standpoint of Asean-IORA cooperation, particularly in the context of strategic competition among major powers.
Political differences among member states, varying levels of economic development, and competing regional interests pose significant obstacles to cooperation. The region’s political landscape is further complicated by increased rivalry among global powers such as the US, China, and India. This rivalry often manifests through irregular warfare strategies, including trade wars, sanctions, balancing acts, alliances, influence operations, and proxy conflicts, which heighten regional tensions and complicate unified action.
Additionally, Southeast Asia’s economic dependence on China, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exacerbates regional tensions and complicates security cooperation. In the military domain, security concerns, particularly those related to the South China Sea (SCS), are significant issues that hinder cooperation and contribute to regional instability.
Theoretical frameworks such as Regional Complex Security Theory and Neorealism, particularly the concepts of Balance of Power and Security Dilemma, are crucial for understanding the challenges facing Asean-IORA cooperation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts and the establishment of effective cooperation structures. To enhance Asean-IORA cooperation, it is essential to address these strategic challenges.
Mitigating strategic competition, particularly involving the US, China, and India, and addressing the associated aspects of irregular warfare, requires Asean and IORA to adopt comprehensive policies. These policies should focus on enhancing economic resilience, security cooperation, and political unity while addressing irregular warfare tactics.
Asean and IORA must emphasise the establishment of clear strategic goals and effective policy implementation. Strengthening coordination mechanisms, deepening decision-making processes, and promoting synergy between their respective agendas are crucial steps towards effective cooperation. Building trust through inclusive dialogue, confidence-building measures, and mutual cooperation is essential for achieving strategic objectives.
Additionally, balancing engagement with major powers while promoting collective action is vital for maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Asean’s approach to constructive engagement and IORA’s emphasis on inclusivity provide frameworks for engaging with major powers and fostering cooperation among member states. By advocating for an open, transparent, and rules-based regional order, Asean and IORA can work cohesively to advance their regional cooperation and development agendas effectively.
The establishment of a maritime security coordination centre, such as a joint Asean-IORA task force, coupled with the development of a comprehensive action plan, will enhance coordination and streamline decision-making processes.
Prioritising connectivity, infrastructure development, cross-regional partnerships, and sustainable development initiatives will contribute to the long-term wellbeing and resilience of the Indo-Pacific region. Through proactive engagement, strategic coordination, and pragmatic cooperation, Asean and IORA can achieve their full potential and shape a more interconnected and stable Indo-Pacific region. By adopting these measures, Asean and IORA can enhance their cooperative efforts, fostering greater regional stability and prosperity.
However, India’s ambitions to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region highlight the strategic implications for Asean-IORA cooperation. Further study is required to examine how India’s ambitions may affect regional stability and Asean-IORA collaboration. India must navigate the region carefully, ensuring alignment with Asean-IORA interests to defuse tensions arising from territorial disputes and geopolitical competition. By strengthening cooperation with Asean and IORA, India has the opportunity to bolster regional security and prosperity, aligning with the cooperation’s objectives of fostering stability and advancing economic development.
It is imperative to strengthen institutional frameworks, build trust, and manage the challenges associated with Asean-IORA cooperation. Embracing opportunities, flexibility, and inclusivity will enable Asean and IORA to navigate regional dynamics effectively and promote peace, stability, and prosperity. Through collective action and collaborative efforts, both organisations can shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Brigadier General Datuk Azudin Hassan is a senior officer in the Royal Malay Regiment and is currently attending the National Resilience College, PUSPAHANAS.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
