No. 10 March 2021

International Conference on Twenty Years of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) 5-6 November 2020

Left to Right: Amb. , Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ; Dr. T C A Raghavan, Director General, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi and Dr. Mohan Kumar, Chairman, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi

he ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at economy and sectoral relations; people- which will allow scholars to access RIS and Indian Council of World to-people contacts and the way forward text and further collaboration. TAffairs (ICWA), New Delhi jointly towards the third decade of MGC. Dr • Promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda organised an international conference Nivedita Ray, Research Director, ICWA is another important area that can to commemorate the Twenty Years of and Dr Prabir De, Coordinator, AIC at RIS strengthen the partnership. India can Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) delivered the concluding remarks. promote the study of yoga, especially on 5-6 November 2020. Dr. T C A in by getting certificated Key Recommendations of the Raghavan, Director General, Indian teachers to Thailand or helping Thai Conference: Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New people to come to India to study yoga. • Mekong countries and India shall work Delhi and Dr. Mohan Kumar, Chairman, India shall help in the standardisation together on shared historical linkages, Research and Information System for of the practise of Yoga and Ayurveda, and protect the artefacts and preserve Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi leading to strengthen the well being the old texts and heritage sites. made the Opening Remarks. Inaugural and health security of the region. • Digital platform will facilitate Address was delivered by Amb. Riva • India and Mekong countries can work collaborations and also allow scholars Ganguly Das, Secretary (East), Ministry together for the preservation of rice to study ancient texts and scripts, of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi. culture and to organise a rice festival artistic patterns, history of the region The two-day event had five technical to celebrate the shared cultural links. among other subjects. MGC countries sessions that focused on shared culture • MGC countries may consider may consider connecting the individual and heritage; economic relations; new establishing Mekong-Ganga Study digital libraries through open sources ...Continued on page 2

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 1 ...Continued from page 1

Centre to promote cultural and Kingdoms in ancient , Indian investment, especially the functioning educational collaboration and also system of administration on Vedic of market institutions and by improving work on further collaboration among model of town planning and Buddhist the functioning and quality of domestic the museums of the MGC countries. linkages with Myanmar, ethnic and segment of value chains and the In order to start these projects, MGC linguistic affinities. quality of services inputs. countries can look at the established • A web portal should be set up to • Mekong countries shall promote the centres in existing universities and provide information on trade trends, development and establish a regional resource centres. custom tariffs and preferences, legal framework to build a new legal • India needs to extend more scholarship market opportunities and regulatory document on water protection in the on cultural aspects between India and compliances, which could be serving Mekong River. the Mekong nations. as a platform linking MSMEs of the • An exclusive website for Mekong- • MGC can have podcast and virtual Mekong region and India. Ganga Cooperation would be useful. seminars and museums where the • A regional investment forum can be • Annual Ministerial meeting of MGC general public can be invited to established that can identify the existing could be elevated to Summit level. participate. networks and complementarities and • There is a need for a Secretariat and • There is a need for increased attention facilitate investment into the region. inter-governmental arrangements to joint research focusing on connected • India and Mekong countries shall to follow up cooperation with high histories between North East India and facilitate entry of domestic companies dispersion across sub-regional and Mekong region, especially on Indian into GVCs via improving the drivers of sectors. Webinar on 20 Years of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), 28 May 2020

he ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at RIS and Chaired the webinar. Mr Sabyasachi the line of credit (LoC), technical jointly with the Asian Confluence Dutta, Director of Asian Confluence, gave assistance, etc. (AC) organised a webinar titled “20 the Welcome Remarks. Dr Prabir De, • Elevate the MGC ministerial meeting T to the Summit level. Years of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation” in Professor, RIS and Head, ASEAN-India virtual mode on 28 May 2020. Panellists Centre (AIC) made the lead presentation. • Resume flights, visa and travel in a were from prominent think-tanks, and calibrated manner with MGC and Key Recommendations business chambers of Mekong region. beyond. • Early completion of the Trilateral About 60 participants attended, viewed • Bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) Highway and a further extension to the webinar discussion and took part in with Vietnam may generate new trade Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam the Q&A session. Ambassador Gautam opportunities, subject to studies and would strengthen the regional Mukhopadhyay, Senior Visiting Fellow, feasibilities. connectivity. Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New • Enhanced cultural cooperation – • Increase the bilateral and regional Delhi delivered the Special Remarks studies, exchange of artists, films, development aid in MGC through ...Continued on page 3

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food festivals, cultural heritage, pharmaceutical equipment, mask, cooperate to share the traditional preservation of heritage, joint projects and health sanitizer etc. medicinal products, yoga and training between museums, Nalanda University • Lao PDR has a long relationship with programmes. Online programme for MGC, etc. India’s business community. India • For food security, India and Mekong • Continue with regulatory convergence, should invest in the agro-business countries can jointly create a food paperless trade and simplification of industry, ICT related industry, bank to use it during the crisis. trade procedures. microfinance, etc. to strengthen the • India and Mekong region are known • Initiate B2B Business Facilitation investment relationships between the for organic products in the respective through industry associations and two countries. countries. To support the farmers Chambers of Commerce (e.g. FICCI- • Need to have cooperation and growing organic crops in the region, AIBC, CII, ASSOCHAM, ICC, EEPC information sharing between the information of organic farmers and India, FIEO, etc) industry association and business their products can be given in online • Establish MGC Think-Tank Network of chamber to promote B2B relation with platform to meet global consumers cultural studies, heritage, museums, Mekong region. and producers to procure the organic etc. • Given the pandemic situation, products from the Mekong region. • India can provide capacity building India’s northeast and Myanmar’s • MGC region experiences drought programme for the customs officials, northwest can be benefited from the every year, which has a huge impact who are handling cargoes in the e-governance. Indian government on agricultural sector in the region. frontline to improve the trade facilitation should provide innovation and ITeS to India and the Mekong region can process. scale up the institutions of Myanmar to jointly initiate rainwater harvesting in • India and Mekong countries should improve the e-governance. the region to ensure water security and collaborate to support the local • India should scale up the institutions offer reserve water for consumption manufacturing unit in post-Covid-19 by combine taskforce with IITs and during the drought situation. period to create employment IIMs for initiating incubation centers • MGC countries should endorse opportunities and income generation to strengthen the university network in cultural cooperation through funding in the region. Particularly, the garment Myanmar. In addition to the government joint research and by engaging industries in Cambodia, Myanmar and to government engagement in the students through online mode, and Vietnam have suffered heavily due education sector, we can encourage bring out research on cultural linkages to pandemic and need some joint non-governmental organizations and between Ganga and Mekong rivers. initiative to strengthen the industry in private sectors to promote educational • MGC countries can also support the Mekong region. sector in the Mekong region. the virtual museum to offer a virtual • MGC should learn from other Mekong • India and Mekong region should jointly experience for young students in the sub-regional cooperation initiatives organize the workshop, conference digital world. such as actionable projects, different etc., to share the cultural and economic • MGC countries should collaborate to mechanism and regularity of their achievements and challenges. share the experience to prevent the programmes, etc., to scale up • India and Mekong countries may build Covid-19 and engage in research and and streamline the MGC projects, up cooperation in health sector to development to control the spread. funds and association with Mekong share the experience and mitigating • MGC countries can work together to countries. strategy to overcome Covid-19 produce a test kit for Covid-19. India • India and the Mekong region through video conferencing such as has been producing pharmaceutical should jointly set-up a research webinar and social media among products and medical equipments for and development (R&D) centre for doctors, health care workers, etc. long, and in this regard, India can help traditional medicine like Ayurveda to • Despite the completion of 20 years MGC for producing test kits to fight improve public health care facilities in of MGC, common people are not against the Covid-19. the Mekong region. aware of the MGC initiatives and • India can support creating software • Deeper and more engagement programmes. Therefore, India and to trace and track the Covid-19 cases between working groups, sectoral Mekong region should jointly publish in the Mekong region to treat them meetings with respective ministry and the achievements and undertake effectively. enhance the engagement with the projects in both online and offline to • India can help to identify the country leader’s level. create awareness among the people. among the MGC countries, which • MGC programmes and projects should • India should provide IT scholarship to need assistance to fight against it and have more focus on regional aspects the Mekong students for helping them help to prepare for the second wave of and large projects so that they can be to develop the capacity building in the the pandemic. streamlined with national programs for IT sector. • To promote the trade relation among sustainability and replicability. • For health security, India and Mekong MGC, India and Mekong region should • Despite fewer cases of Covid-19 countries should share medical data cooperate in strengthening institutional reported in Lao PDR, the economy through an online platform and provide linkages and extend the Trilateral has suffered a huge loss because of healthcare facilities for the people. Highway to Cambodia, Lao PDR and lockdown in other countries. India can India and Mekong countries should Vietnam for better connectivity. support providing vaccines, drugs,

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 3 Webinar on Promoting India-Vietnam Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI): Perspectives and Prospects 24 June 2020

esearch and Information System remarks were made by Dr. Bhaskar them have not been implemented and for Developing Countries (RIS) Balakrishnan, former Indian Ambassador remained mostly on paper. Therefore, jointly with the Overseas Office and Science Diplomacy Fellow, RIS and the challenges should be mitigated and Rfor Science & Technology of Vietnam Vote of Thanks were extended by Dr. collaboration between Vietnam and India (VOOST) organized a Webinar on Kapil Dhanraj, Research Associate, RIS. should be strengthened in education “Promoting India-Vietnam Cooperation by opening joint universities, and by in Science, Technology and Innovation An increased understanding in improving the quality and effectiveness (STI): Perspectives and Prospects” on sciences would enable India and Vietnam of existing joint universities. The 24 June 2020. Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, to create trust and foster cooperation promotion of Vietnam-India relations also Director General, RIS made the welcome in science, technology and innovation. requires active participation from both remarks. H.E. Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, The cooperation between Vietnam state- and non- state agencies, including Ambassador of Vietnam to India and and India needs to be bilateral and effective coordination between their Mr. Pranay Verma, Ambassador of India multilateral. The emphasis must be on S&T institutions. A roadmap could be to Vietnam co-chaired the inaugural advanced communication technologies jointly developed by the two countries session and made the Inaugural and capacity building with focus on for STI for achieving the SDGs. The Remarks. The webinar includes two both natural sciences as well as social S&T cooperation between India and sessions, namely, opportunities for India- sciences. There have been numerous Vietnam has been very dynamic and Vietnam STI Cooperation and Covid-19 collaborations in social sciences include sectors like agriculture, oil and and Prospects for India and Vietnam between Vietnam Association of Social gas, biotechnology, ICT, semi-conductor Cooperation. Dr. Sanjeev Varshney, Prof. Sciences and Indian institutions. The manufacturing, 5G and defence. There is Le Van Toan, Mr. Arvind Gupta, Dr. Le collaboration has been promoted by a great scope and possibilities for further Thi Hang Nga were the distinguished nine MOUs with various institutions and diversification, and cooperation in other panellist for the session. The closing universities in India. However, few of areas such as Oceans

4 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities Speech by the Hon’ble President of India, at the Banquet Hosted in Honour of President of Myanmar

am delighted to receive you Mr. and tranquility on our shared borders. reeds, and reeds depend on islands” President on your first State Visit to It is in this context, that we are happy unquote. That is to say, our interests are India. As neighbours connected by to help by sharing our experience inter-dependent. From such wisdom I are mutually beneficial partnerships land and water, with a long civilizational with democracy, federalism and friendship, it is only natural that we constitutionalism with you. created. May your pilgrimage to Bodh meet as frequently as possible. After To foster sustainable peace, we Gaya and the divine shade of the Bodhi all, from language to food, from dress must ensure a peace dividend through tree, continue to bless our age-old ties. to rituals, ours are sister civilizations: prosperity. Connectivity between unique in their own right, but also our countries is already expanding, (Excerpted from www.presidentofindia.nic.in related. The sacred waters of Irrawaddy through the building of roads, use of on February 27, 2020) and Phalgu have long been part of our waterways, upgradation of ports and ©The President of India religious beliefs, our spirituality and increase of bilateral air services. We our cultural imagination. need to widen such connectivity to Your meetings here would include energy as well. ASEAN-India have reassured you that India Another important element of a remains committed to providing its peace dividend is the provision of Ministerial Meeting fullest support for the expansion capacity. As State Counsellor Daw of your democracy and economic Suu Kyi has said, she attaches priority n 12 September 2020, External development. India stands for a stable, to “people understanding that they Affairs Minister (EAM) of India united and prosperous Myanmar, have the power to change things H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar co-chaired Othe ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting established through a successful themselves”. It is in this spirit that India peace process. is invested in capacity-building in along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom And since peace is indivisible, Myanmar. of Thailand H.E. Don Pramudwinai. The the settlement of ethnic conflict in Myanmar has a proverb and Meeting was held virtually and saw the your country helps us ensure peace I quote - “the islands depend on participation of Foreign Ministers of the ten ASEAN Member States and India. The Meeting reviewed the status 12th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation of ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership in several areas including maritime Senior Officials’ Meeting cooperation, connectivity, education & capacity building and people-to-people he 12th Mekong Ganga culture; education; science and contacts. It reviewed the progress in Cooperation Senior Officials’ technology; traditional medicine and implementation of the ASEAN-India Meeting (12th MGC SOM) was health; agriculture and allied sectors; Plan of Action (2016-2020). The Meeting T also reviewed the preparations for the held via Video Conference on 3 water resources management; September 2020. The meeting, which transportation and communication; upcoming 17th ASEAN-India Summit and was attended by Senior Officials from and small and medium enterprises. also the progress in the implementation of key decisions of the Leaders of ASEAN all 6 MGC Member States, was co- The meeting also discussed the Member States (AMS) and India arrived chaired by H.E. Smt. Vijay Thakur Singh, progress made on the MGC Plan of at the 16th ASEAN-India Summit held Secretary (East), Ministry of External Action (2019-22) which was adopted in in November 2019 and the Affairs and H.E. Mr. Sok Soken, Under during the 10th MGC Ministerial previous Summits. The new ASEAN-India Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Meeting in Bangkok on 1st August Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted Affairs and International Cooperation, 2019 and preparations for the 11th at the Meeting. The Ministers discussed Cambodia. MGC Ministerial Meeting to be held ways to strengthen cooperation to fight The meeting reviewed the later this year. COVID-19 pandemic and exchanged progress made since the 10th MGC views on important regional and Ministerial Meeting held in Bangkok (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 3 international developments. on 1st August 2019 in all areas of September 2020) (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 12 cooperation including - tourism and © Ministry of External Affairs, India September 2020) © Ministry of External Affairs, India

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 5 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities 17th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting he 17th Meeting of the India- reliance and human-centric globalization Based on their strong convergence Vietnam Joint Commission on as the basis for India’s economic revival. Trade, Economic, Scientific and of views on many global and regional T He invited Vietnam to take advantage issues, both sides agreed to coordinate Technological Cooperation co-chaired by of India’s new economic capacities and closely at multilateral forums, including Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble External Affairs demands. at the UN Security Council, where both Minister of Republic of India (EAM) and EAM reaffirmed India’s development India and Vietnam will serve concurrently H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime and capacity building assistance to as non-permanent members in 2021. Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vietnam through initiatives such as Quick They also agreed to step up cooperation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was Impact Projects (QIP), ITEC and e-ITEC held via video-conference on 25 August initiatives, PhD fellowships, as well as and coordination at important regional 2020. projects in water resource management forums under the ASEAN framework. During the meeting, both sides in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region, EAM expressed India’s full support reviewed the recent developments SDGs, digital connectivity and heritage to Vietnam’s chairmanship of ASEAN in India-Vietnam Comprehensive conservation. 12 QIPs for implementation this year and appreciated the positive Strategic Partnership and discussed the in Vietnam have been approved by the leadership provided by Vietnam to future trajectory of their wide-ranging , including 7 QIPs in ASEAN in a year when the world is faced engagement. They agreed to add new water resource management in Vietnam’s with the COVID-19 pandemic. momentum to the economic and defence Mekong Delta Region and 5 QIPs India and Vietnam also agreed to engagement between the two countries related to construction of educational enhance their bilateral cooperation in line and to explore closer cooperation in infrastructure in Vietnam. with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative emerging areas such as civil nuclear MoU for “Cooperation between (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on energy, space, marine sciences and new Institute of Foreign Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, technologies.The co-chairs exchanged Service (SSIFS), New Delhi and prosperity and growth for all in the region. views on regional and international Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, ” India invited Vietnam to collaborate on issues of mutual interest, especially in and MoU between “National Maritime one of the seven pillars of the IPOI. the context of the outbreak of COVID-19 Foundation, New Delhi and Scientific pandemic. EAM underlined Prime Research Institute of Sea and Islands, (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 25 Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat Hanoi” were also signed on the margins August 2020) for enhancing resilience through self- of the Joint Commission Meeting. © Ministry of External Affairs, India

India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations he 19th round of Foreign Office meetings in several areas, including Myanmar and also to explore new Consultations between India power, energy etc., have been held avenues of cooperation. Tand Myanmar was held through through virtual mode, reflecting the The Permanent Secretary virtual mode on October 1, 2020. The depth of the bilateral engagement. reaffirmed Myanmar’s commitment Indian delegation was led by Foreign It was noted that the next Joint Trade to further strengthen its time tested Secretary, Shri Committee Ministerial Meeting to be partnership with India for the mutual and the Myanmar delegation was led held on October 20, will be useful in benefit of the two countries. He also by Permanent Secretary, U Soe Han. further strengthening bilateral trade expressed appreciation for the COVID During the consultations, both sides and investment relations. related and development assistance reviewed the entire gamut of relations, Both sides also held extensive extended by India to Myanmar. He including border cooperation and discussions on the challenges thanked India for providing debt upgradation of border infrastructure, posed by COVID-19 and ways to service relief under the G-20 Debt status of India’s ongoing development mitigate its impact, including through Service Suspension Initiative, for the projects in Myanmar, trade and vaccine development, supply of period May 1, 2020 to December investment ties, power and energy medicines, equipment and technology 31, 2020. Both sides agreed to hold cooperation, consular matters and and capacity building. Foreign the next round of Foreign Office cultural cooperation, including Secretary reiterated the priority Consultations at a mutually convenient the ongoing restoration work on India attaches to its partnership date. earthquake damaged pagodas in with Myanmar in accordance with Bagan. Cooperation in regional and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 1 multilateral fora was also discussed. East’ policies. He stated that India October 2020) Both sides expressed satisfaction that remained committed to enhancing © Ministry of External Affairs, India despite the ongoing COVID pandemic, its multifaceted cooperation with

6 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities Visit of Chief of Army Staff and Foreign Secretary to Myanmar

hief of Army Staff (COAS), General the Myanmar Institute of Information including the repair and conservation MM Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, Technology. They agreed to work towards of Bagan pagodas that had been CSM, VSM, ADC, and India’s operationalization of Sittwe Port in the damaged in the 2016 earthquake. Foreign Secretary (FS) Shri Harsh Rakhine State in the first quarter of 2021. The two sides discussed plans to Vardhan Shringla, visited Myanmar on Both sides noted the considerable install a bust of Lokmanya Tilak in October 4-5, 2020. The visit provided progress made under the Rakhine State Mandalay to commemorate his 100th an opportunity to review the sustained Development Programme (RSDP) and death anniversary as it was during progress in bilateral relations which have proposed finalizing projects under Phase his incarceration in Mandalay jail that been marked in recent years by regular - III of the Programme, including setting Lokmanya Tilak wrote Gita Rahasya, high-level visits and interactions. up of a skills training center. During an exposition of the Bhagvadgita. Both sides agreed to further the visit, the Project Agreement on the Other areas of cooperation in culture strengthen their partnership in upgrading of agricultural mechanization discussed included translation of Indian connectivity projects, capacity building, under the RSDP was also signed. FS epics into the Burmese language. FS power and energy, deepen economic conveyed India’s support for ensuring congratulated Myanmar for successfully and trade ties, further facilitate people safe, sustainable and speedy return of holding the Fourth meeting of the 21st to people and cultural exchanges, and displaced persons to the Rakhine State. Century Panglong Peace Conference broad-base their defense exchanges The two sides discussed maintenance of and assured India’s continued support in across all the three services. It was security and stability in their border areas sharing experiences in constitutionalism also agreed to deepen cooperation to and reiterated their mutual commitment and federalism to assist Myanmar in its overcome the challenges posed by the not to allow their respective territories democratic transition. COVID-19 pandemic. COAS and FS to be used for activities inimical to each In the last few years, both countries presented 3000 vials of Remdesivir to other. The Indian side expressed their have made commendable strides the State Counsellor, symbolic of India’s appreciation to Myanmar for handing in bilateral ties and explored new commitment to assist Myanmar in its over of 22 cadres of Indian Insurgent avenues of cooperation including fresh fight against the pandemic. FS indicated Groups to India. investments in oil and gas and power, India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar India announced a grant of USD 2 infrastructure and pharmaceuticals. in sharing vaccines as and when these million for the construction of the border Both sides have been in discussion to become available. Myanmar appreciated haat bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in establish a High Capacity High Voltage India’s decision to provide debt service Chin State that will provide increased Grid Interconnection between the relief under the G-20 Debt Service economic connectivity between Mizoram Indian power grid and the Myanmar Suspension Initiative, for the period up to and Myanmar. A quota of 1.5 lakh tonnes grid. Discussions on the low voltage December 31, 2020. of Urad (Vigna mungo) for import from radial interconnections between North- Both sides also discussed Myanmar till 31 March 2021 was also Eastern states and Myanmar have progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted announced. The Centre of Excellence in also progressed. The cooperation infrastructure projects such as the Software Development and Training in in the maritime domain and disaster Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi- Myitkyina, was virtually inaugurated. FS management has been enhanced. Modal Transit Transport Project. They also inaugurated the Embassy Liaison Both countries have also continued exchanged views on an early initiation Office in Nay Pyi Taw along with U Soe to cooperate in various regional and of work on fresh initiatives such as the Han, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of multilateral fora. upgradation of Yamethin Women’s Police Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. Academy, Basic Technical Training The Myanmar side expressed (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 5 October 2020) School and measures to provide long appreciation for Indian assistance in © Ministry of External Affairs, India term sustainability to projects such as the preservation of cultural heritage, Chairman’s Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session with India

he ASEAN Post Ministerial External Affairs of the Republic of India. India Partnership for Peace, Progress Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session The Meeting noted with satisfaction the and Shared Prosperity for the period of with India was held on 12 September progress in the implementation of the 2021-2025 to serve as an action-oriented T Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN- document to further strengthen the 2020. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime India Partnership for Peace, Progress ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership in the Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Shared Prosperity for the period of next five years. of the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Dr. 2016-2020. The Meeting adopted a new (Excerpted from www.asean.org on Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN- 19 September 2020) ©ASEAN

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 7 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities Prime Minister Addresses 17th ASEAN India Summit

he Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri The Prime Minister also underscored The discussions also covered participated in the the importance of greater physical and regional and international issues of T17th ASEAN-India Summit at the digital connectivity between ASEAN common interest and concern, including invitation of H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and India and reiterated India’s offer of South China Sea and terrorism. Both Prime Minister of Vietnam, the current US$ 1 billion Line of Credit to support sides noted the importance of promoting Chair of ASEAN on 12 November 2020. ASEAN connectivity. On trade and a rules-based order in the region The Summit, which saw the investment, he underlined the importance including through upholding adherence participation of all ten ASEAN Member of diversification and resilience of supply to international law, especially the States, was conducted in virtual format. chains for post-COVID economic recovery. UNCLOS. The leaders affirmed the On COVID-19, the Prime Minister The ASEAN leaders acknowledged India’s importance of maintaining and promoting highlighted India’s response and broader contribution towards promoting peace peace, stability, safety and security in the support to the international community, and stability in the region and welcomed South China Sea and ensuring freedom of and welcomed ASEAN’s initiatives to fight India’s support to ASEAN centrality. The navigation and overflight. the pandemic. Prime Minister announced Leaders also welcomed the adoption of (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on a contribution of US$ 1 million to the the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 12 November 2020) COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. 2021-2025. © Ministry of External Affairs, India

Remarks by EAM during the 6th Roundtable Meeting of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT)

he contemporary relationship of strategic autonomy that was once of building an employment generating between India and the ASEAN was fashionable in a unipolar world has economy, not just a profit generating one. Tfounded very much on our shared now assumed relevance once again in We call it Atmanirbhar Bharat- self reliant interest in globalization. In Asia at least, terms of global supply chains. Whatever India. the ASEAN were pioneers of that process we may profess, the actions of nations The ASEAN is one of the cross-roads and helped bring India into it. But as it during times of crisis determine how the of the global economy. India is the fifth comes under stress today, we need to world really perceives them, and they did largest economy in the world. We are go beyond its economic and even social bring up many of the risks inherent in the not only proximate to each other, but definitions. Globalization may be reflected current global economy. Consequently, together help shape Asia and the world. as trade, travel and financial flows. But in concerns about supply chains are sought It is important that at this juncture, we put reality, it is something very much larger. to be mitigated at the very least through our heads together. There are conceptual In fact, what the pandemic has brought greater emphasis on their diversification issues to debate including Indo-Pacific. out is the indivisible aspect of human and resilience. The Indo-Pacific Oceans initiative that we existence that underpins globalization. For exactly these reasons, it is have tabled needs elaboration. As global Whether it is climate change, terrorism incumbent on all of us to think through relationships alter, we too need to take or indeed pandemics, these are not these challenges and come up with a stock. Security, connectivity, economy challenges where those affected have a more positive and practical model of and politics will jostle for space in your choice. The limitations of purely national cooperation. And it is not as though the discussions. My remarks today are only responses or sometimes living in denial world lacks good examples even during meant to remind you all, how much the have become evident. It, therefore, times of crises. After all, there were many big picture has changed. As we come underlines the need for the international who also shared what they could at this out of this pandemic, let us be clear on community to work together much more time, whether it was in terms of medicines, one fact. The world will never be the sincerely in search of collective solutions. supplies or resources. In fact, through same again. That means new thinking, As a result, the commodity that is their actions what they demonstrated was fresh ideas, more imagination and perhaps most valued in international a need for broader rebalancing as well greater openness. We need to go beyond relations today is that of trust. We had as a more generous and equitable world orthodoxies, whether of trade, politics or already seen in many quarters national view. For India today, this means among security. These are domains that all of you security being redefined to include other things the urgent requirement to debate regularly and I am sure today you economic security. More recently, this strengthen its national capacities. It also will have a very productive discussion. then led to questions and concerns underlines the importance of de-risking about technology security. The pandemic critical aspects of societal existence, (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 20 has now added to that the importance especially health. And at the same time, August 2020) of health security. In fact, the concept complementing the domestic priority © Ministry of External Affairs, India

8 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities ASEAN-India Relations and the Rise of Multilateralism in Indo-Pacific and Beyond he two biggest religions of South- effort to enhance road-connectivity countries such as Thailand, Singapore, East Asia spread from/ through between India’s North East and the Malaysia etc, we are making efforts to TIndian subcontinent. The biggest South East Asia. In pursuance to the improve air connectivity with others in temple of the world is not in India but announcement by Hon’ble Prime Minister the region as well. Last year, Indigo and in Cambodia. The languages of our two at the ASEAN-India Informal Breakfast Vietjet started air-services between New regions share a lot of common words Summit in Singapore in November 2018, Delhi/ and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh including the word ‘Bhasha’ itself which India had commissioned a study on City. We are making efforts to enhance means language. The Indian epics of feasibility of establishing an economic connectivity in the digital and cyber Ramayana and Mahabharata are as corridor through a seamless, efficient and domain as well. In the 2015 ASEAN-India popular in South-East Asia as they are in end to end transportation corridor along Summit, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra India. Almost every country in South-East the existing Trilateral Highway and its Modi announced a Line of Credit of USD Asia has its own version of Ram Leela. extension towards Cambodia, Lao PDR 1 billion for connectivity and infrastructure Even today, the coronation ceremony and Viet Nam on Jakarta-based think- projects in ASEAN and we are looking for of Thai kings is performed with Indian tank, the Economic Research Institute for suitable infrastructure and connectivity rituals. All these are testimony to our long ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). ERIA has projects under this LoC. cultural and civilization ties. submitted the final report in July this year ASEAN and India share land and which will be tabled before the Leaders (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on maritime borders and there is a lot of at the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in 5 October 2020) scope for enhancing connectivity through November 2020. © Ministry of External Affairs, India Excerpted from the Address delivered by MOS land, air and the sea. India-Myanmar- While there is good air-connectivity at the webinar organised by North-Eastern Hill Thailand Trilateral Highway is an ongoing between India and a few ASEAN University Remarks by Foreign Secretary on the Impact of Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies on the North East here is no denying the fact that the new set of airports opened and upgraded hydropower potential of the North East to North East of India is our gateway to under the Udaan scheme in the capitals Bangladesh and Myanmar. TEast and South East Asia. In foreign of the states of the North East, cater to A strong, stable and prosperous policy terms, we might say that the states domestic travel. The Lokpriya Gopinath North East is the key to building a Self- of the North East are the link between two Bordoloi airport in Guwahati is the only Reliant India. The Act East Policy of the fundamental pillars of our foreign policy, international airport in the North Eastern Prime Minister provides an effective Neighbourhood First and Act East. states. means to achieve it. The general trend indicated by However, Bagdogra international The realisation of this dream this listing is also applicable to other airport in West Bengal serves Sikkim. brings together various Ministries of neighbours such as Nepal, Bhutan and As travel and tourism resumes in the the Government of India, as also the Myanmar. For example, in Myanmar, we aftermath of the ongoing pandemic, we state governments, which are both are working on the Kaladan Multimodal will have to cater to international flights implementing agencies and beneficiaries Transit Transport Project and the India- as well. at the ground level. Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway The potential of mutually beneficially As we focus on timely completion Project connecting the North East with resources and of generating common of infrastructure projects, such as roads, Myanmar and Thailand. economic spaces is evident in another railway lines, port upgradation, border The first will give the North East area – energy. Bangladesh currently check posts and trading points, both in access to the sea. The second will imports 1160 MW of power through the North East and across the border, provide land connectivity with South East adjoining states in India. Hydrocarbons in countries in the neighbourhood, the Asia. Two international entry/ exit points will flow through an India-Bangladesh Ministry of External Affairs will continue to were inaugurated at Tamu-Moreh and Friendship Pipeline. support and facilitate all initiatives in this Rih-Zowkhawthar to increase connectivity The power of Himalayan Rivers has regard. with Myanmar. been used for the joint benefit of the . While road and rail connectivity have North East and its neighbours through (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on improved significantly, we also need to hydro electric projects in Bhutan. We 10 September 2020) focus on air connectivity in the region. The are also looking at exporting the surplus © Ministry of External Affairs, India

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 9 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Activities ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting inister of State for External Affairs, maritime issues in the context of UNCLOS Under the ARF activities approved Shri V. Muraleedharan participated framework and cooperation for collective for 2020-21 during the meeting, India Min the meeting of the Foreign response for COVID-19. will co-chair workshops on International Ministers of the ASEAN Regional Forum The ARF Ministers adopted Ship and Port facility Security Code (ARF) held virtually on 12 September three Statements, namely, Enhancing (ISPS Code) and on Implementing United 2020 under the Chairmanship of Vietnam. Cooperation to Prevent and Respond to Nations Convention on the Law of the The 27th ARF Foreign Ministers Meeting Infectious Disease Outbreaks; Treatment Sea (UNCLOS) and other international (FMM) exchanged views on international of Children Recruited by or Associated instruments. and regional issues. with Terrorist Groups; and Cooperation (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 12 The Minister of State presented in the Field of Security of and in the Use September 2020) India’s perspectives on the Indo-Pacific of ICTs in the Context of International © Ministry of External Affairs, India Ocean’s Initiative, the threat of terrorism, Security. Chairman’s Press Statement of the ASEAN Coordinating Council’s Special Session on Sub-Regional Development he ASEAN Coordinating Council Bank (ADB) and the President of partnership with ASEAN in promoting (ACC) held a Special Meeting on the Economic Research Institute for sub-regional and regional development TSub-Regional Development on 9 ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) on their as well as its timely support for September 2020 via video-conference perspectives regarding ASEAN’s role COVID-19 pandemic response. The to discuss sub-regional development in narrowing the development gap and Ministers commended efforts by ERIA across ASEAN and ASEAN’s role in enhancing ASEAN’s competitiveness as a regional think-tank in conducting promoting sub-regional development as a region, promoting sustainable and quality research work to facilitate to achieve ASEAN Community building equitable development in the region, ASEAN’s regional integration process. objectives. and presenting the prospective role of The Ministers were briefed by sub-regional cooperation frameworks (Excerpted from www.asean.org on 11 the Secretary-General of ASEAN, in regional integration efforts. The September 2020) President of the Asian Development Ministers appreciated ADB’s long ©ASEAN

India - Vietnam Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People .E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Vietnam, launch of HSGBs manufactured and Vietnam Agency for Radiation and of India and H.E. Nguyen Xuan in India and the keel laying of HSGBs Nuclear Safety, MOU between CSIR- Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam co- manufactured in Vietnam; (c) Both Indian Institute of Petroleum and Vietnam H Petroleum Institute, MOU between chaired a Virtual Summit on 21 December Leaders appreciated the completion 2020, during which they exchanged of seven Development Projects with National Solar Federation of India and views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional Indian ‘Grant-in-Aid’ Assistance of Vietnam Clean Energy Association, and global issues and released Joint US$ 1.5 million for the benefit of local MOU between Tata Memorial Centre and Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People community in Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan Vietnam National Cancer Hospital. to guide the future development of India province; (d) Both Prime Ministers also The announcements made in this - Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic expressed satisfaction over signing summit are as follows: 1. Enhancing Partnership. The outcome of the meeting of MOUs/Agreements/Implementing the number of Quick Impact Projects as follows: (a) While adopting this Arrangements for further strengthening from currently 5 per year to 10 per year Joint Vision Statement, both Leaders bilateral cooperation in various areas commencing FY 2021-2022; 2. New welcomed the signing of Plan of Action such as implementing Arrangement Development Partnership projects in for period 2021-2023; (b) Both Prime on Defence Industry Cooperation, heritage conservation in Vietnam (F-block Ministers expressed satisfaction over agreement for US$ 5 million Indian of Temple at My Son; Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Quang Nam and the successful implementation of Grant Assistance for Army Software Nhan Cham Tower in Phu Yen); 3. Launch the High Speed Guard Boat (HSGB) Park at National Telecommunications of a bilateral project for Encyclopedia on Manufacturing Project for Vietnam Border University, Nha Trang, implementing India - Vietnam Civilizational and Cultural Guard Command under the US$ 100 arrangement between CUNPKO- Interactions. million Defence Line of Credit extended VNDPKO for Cooperation in United (Excerpted from www.mea.gov.in on 21 by Government of India to Vietnam, and Nation Peacekeeping, MOU between December 2020) the handing over of completed HSGB to India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board © Ministry of External Affairs, India

10 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation India Sends Shipments of Covishield Vaccines to Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles

India has sent shipments of Covishield this week while some others such as Sri for India’s willingness to provide vaccines to Myanmar, Mauritius and Lanka and Afghanistan are waiting for Covid-19 vaccines, the source pointed Seychelles taking forward its ‘Vaccine their turn. “These gifts of vaccines to the out. India also provided a training Maitri’ (vaccine diplomacy) drive which neighbouring countries and some others course in administering Covid vaccine has earned it praises from recipient are in line with Prime Minister Narendra to Bangladesh, Bhutan, , nations. Consignments carrying the Modi that India would try to serve the Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bahrain, vaccine are to reach Myanmar (1.5 world through its vaccine producing Brazil, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, million doses), Mauritius (1,00,000 capabilities. It is also earning India a lot Seychelles and , the source doses) and Seychelles (50,000 doses) on of goodwill,” the source said. tracking the matter told BuinessLine. 22 January 2021 according to sources. Myanmar’s State Counsellor Daw (Excerpted from www.thehindubusinessline. Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Aung San Suu Kyi, in her New Year com on 22 January, 2021, authored by Amiti Nepal have already received their gifts of address, had mentioned that there Sen) the Covishield vaccines from India earlier was wide appreciation in her country © The Hindu Business Line

Sixth India-CLMV Business Conclave Held Washington Virtually to Build Bridges Partners with

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with the Ministry of Mekong Nations Commerce and Industry, Government of India, held the sixth India-CLMV business conclave: Building Bridges for Constructive Development virtually with Cambodia, The Trump administration has Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). The Ministers of Commerce, Minister of announced the ambitious Mekong-US State for External Affairs, the Secretary of State from India and CLMV countries partnership which aims to curb China’s participated in the inaugural session of the business conclave. India’s Minister of growing influence in Southeast Asia State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan highlighted India’s cooperation with the CLMV region right through the Covid-19 crisis, including the provision of and promote economic independence medicines and medical supplies to the region and the training of medical personnel of partner nations. from the region. “India seeks to enhance its cooperation and collaboration with the Apart from the US, the coalition CLMV region in terms of developing a vaccine for Covid-19 and would be willing to includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, share the vaccine as and when it is ready,” added Muraleedharan. The State Minister Thailand and Vietnam from Southeast also mentioned that India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific, of which CLMV countries are Asia. It was formally launched after a part, envisages a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region with a virtual meeting on September 11 an emphasis on ASEAN centrality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of 2020. all nations in the region, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use or threat The Mekong-US partnership of use of force and adherence to international laws, rules and regulations. Shri Muraleedharan invited CLMV countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), reflects the importance of the Mekong Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and participate in activities of region to the United States, Secretary the seven pillars of Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which has synergies with of State, Mike Pompeo said. the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He added that these efforts will While the Cambodian participants explained the investment climate in include working closely with Japan, Cambodia, simplification of procedures for registration of companies, tax benefits, Australia, South Korea, India, and among other incentives, Ms. Khobragade highlighted the sectors and investment other like-minded partners. opportunities available in Cambodia to Indian companies and encouraged micro, “Our relationship with Mekong small and medium enterprises from India to set up manufacturing units in Cambodia. partner countries is an integral part The CLMV countries have surfaced as key growth points for the ASEAN region, giving it a wider market outreach resulting in preferential or free trade agreements of our Indo-Pacific vision and our with larger economies of the world. Towards this end, a project development fund strategic partnership with ASEAN,” he of $75 million has been created by the Government of India in order to boost said. investments from the Indian private sector in the CLMV region. (Excerpted from www.business-standard. (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh.com on 9 December 2020) com on 5 August 2020) © Khmer Times © Business Standard

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 11 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

India Ready to Tie-up with ASEAN in Generics, Greater Cooperation: Medical Tech for Fighting Covid-19 India, ASEAN Adopt Plan India is willing to collaborate with the Regional initiatives to mitigate the of Action for 2021-25 ten-member ASEAN in the production of impact of the pandemic including the India and the Association of Southeast generic drugs and medical technologies establishment of the ASEAN Covid-19 Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted the Plan of used for treatment of Covid-19 patients, Response Fund were also supported Action for 2021-25 that envisages greater Commerce and Industry Minister Shri by the Ministers. They also recognised cooperation in areas ranging from trade to Piyush Goyal said. the importance of the work towards the maritime security and counter-terrorism. “India welcomes the initiatives of establishment of the ASEAN Regional The Plan of Action will help the two sides to ASEAN to mitigate the impact of the Reserve of Medical Supplies and the work towards the ASEAN 2025 vision for an pandemic and the establishment of the Standard Operating Procedures for economically integrated and rules-based ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund,” Goyal Public Health Emergencies Response. grouping that narrows the development said at the 8th East Asia Summit Economic Highlighting India’s role in helping gap and enhances connectivity. Both sides Ministers’ Meeting, held virtually, adding the world meet the Covid-19 challenge, will also cooperate on common challenges that the two sides could work together Goyal said that even when the country and enhance coordination at international in fighting Covid-19 by jointly producing was unable to get its medical supplies forums. generics and technology. from the rest of the world, it provided The virtual ASEAN-India Ministerial In their joint press statement, the medical assistance, in the form of Meeting, co-chaired by External Affairs Ministers also agreed to facilitate supply essential drugs, test kits and protection Minister Hon’ble S Jaishankar and his Thai chain connectivity, including for essential gear to over 150 countries and as grants- counterpart Mr. Don Pramudwinai, adopted goods such as medical supplies, in-aid to over 80 countries. the Plan of Action. The meeting, which medicines, including vaccines, food, was joined by the Foreign Ministers of the commodities and other essential supplies (Excerpted from www.thehindubusinessline. 10 ASEAN states, also discussed ways to and services in the region. com on 25 August 2020) strengthen cooperation to fight the Covid-19 © The Hindu Business Line pandemic and witnessed an exchange of views on regional and international developments. The meeting reviewed the ASEAN-India strategic partnership in several India Set to Deepen Engagement areas, including maritime cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people contacts. and Strengthen Ties with Indo-ASEAN- It reviewed preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit and progress in Oceanic Region implementing key decisions made at the last summit in Bangkok in November 2019. According to Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of State Under the new Plan of Action, the two (Independent Charge) of Housing and Urban Affairs; Minister of State sides will further strengthen the East Asia (Independent Charge) of Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Summit “as a premier leaders-led forum Industry, Government of India, India was seeking to deepen and strengthen its for dialogue and cooperation on broad ties with the Indo-ASEAN-Oceanic region (IAOR). The Minister was speaking at strategic, political and economic issues... the Inaugural Session of the Indo- ASEAN Oceanic Business Summit & Expo: with the aim of promoting peace, stability Collaborating for Regional Economic Development which was organised by and economic prosperity in the region”. The the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). plan envisages India’s active participation The Minister stated that digital technologies such as E-commerce, and co-chairing of joint exercises and Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain etc. held the maximum promise activities, and strengthening of practical for collaboration between India and the countries in the IAOR region. He defence cooperation to address challenges mentioned that a review of the ASEAN - India Free Trade Agreement was still in maritime security, counter-terrorism, pending. Once completed, he felt that it would have the potential to double humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, trade between India and ASEAN. In the aviation sector itself, he stated that peacekeeping operations, and cyber- the Government was moving ahead with the privatisation of airports and this security. The two sides will also promote maritime security and safety, freedom presented a huge opportunity for countries from the IAOR region. He also of navigation and overflight, unimpeded mentioned that the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) sector had commerce, the non-use of force, and the also been opened up and that would also present a major opportunity for resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in collaboration. As far as India was concerned, the Minister stated that he had accordance with international law, including faith in Indian Industry and expected that they would bounce back to normal the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the once a vaccine for Covid - 19 was found. Sea (UNCLOS). (Excerpted from www.business-standard.com on 5 August 2020) (Excerpted from www.hindustantimes.com on 13 © Business Standard September 2020) © Hindustan Times

12 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

Indo-Pacific Outreach: India Reaches out to Indian Cabinet Gives Its Cambodia with Flood Relief Nods for MoU between Indian Naval Ship “INS Kiltan” Management and Advisor to PM Hun India and Cambodia in delivered 15 tons of flood relief material Sen. Samoeun recalled the strong containing 3,000 flood relief kits for the bonds of friendship between the two Health Sector flood affected people in Cambodia as countries and thanked India for their part of Delhi’s Indo-Pacific outreach. kind gesture to help the flood affected The Indian Cabinet on 29 October, 2020 INS Kiltan arrived at Sihanoukville Port people of Cambodia. approved the signing of a Memorandum on December 29 under Indian Navy’s The visit and port call of INS Kiltan of Understanding (MoU) between India Mission SAGAR-III, which is being to Sihanoukville port for delivering and Cambodia for cooperation in the undertaken in accordance with Hon’ble 15 tonnes of flood relief material to field of health and medicine. The MoU will encourage cooperation between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision Cambodia, under “Mission SAGAR”, is a two countries through joint initiatives and for Security and Growth for All in the part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance technology development in the health Region (SAGAR), according to an and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance sector, the Health Ministry said in a official statement. to Friendly Foreign Countries and statement. “It will strengthen bilateral ties On December 30, in a ceremony highlights the importance that India between India and Cambodia. The MoU held at the Sihanoukville Port, on attaches to Cambodia, a close maritime shall become effective on the date of its behalf of India, B. Subba Rao, Charge neighbour, officials said. signature and shall remain in force for a d’Affaires Indian Embassy handed over period of five years,” it said. 15 tonnes flood relief material to Hang (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh.com on Samoeun, Permanent Vice President 31 December 2020) The main areas of cooperation between of the National Committee for Disaster © Khmer Times the two governments include mother and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS and TB, drugs and pharmaceuticals, technology transfer, public health and epidemiology, India To Help Train Cambodian Youths in disease control, and medical research and development, the statement said. The MoU Temple Preservation will also include areas of medical education, India is planning to assist Cambodia in with Hang Pov, Director General of health manpower development in the training its youths in temple conservation the Authority for the Protection and field of public health, training in clinical, as well as in the fields of arts and culture Management of Angkor and the Region para-clinical and management skills, and as the two countries shared similar of Siem Reap (APSARA), in Siem Reap any other area of cooperation as may be artistic and cultural forms. The training province. mutually decided upon. project was revealed by outgoing Indian Ambassador to Cambodia Ms. (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh.com on (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh.com on 30 October 2020) Manika Jain during her farewell meeting 10 September 2020) © Khmer Times © Khmer Times

India Holds Webinar with Cambodia to Boost Defence Cooperation

The Indian government held friendly foreign countries in order to Toubro, Tata Advanced Systems a webinar with officials of the boost Indian defence exports and Pvt Ltd, Bharat Electronics Limited, Cambodian Army to boost defence achieve the defence export target of Bharat Forge Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd cooperation, said an official US$ 5 billion in the next five years, and Mahindra Defence Systems Pvt statement. “Senior MoD (Ministry of the Defence Ministry’s statement Ltd made presentations about their Defence) officials from the Indian noted. defence equipment at the webinar. side and senior army officials from the The theme of the webinar “The webinar was attended by Cambodian side participated in the was ‘’Indian Defence Industry more than 200 delegates and 100 webinar and spoke about enhancing Global Outreach for Collaborative virtual exhibition stalls have been set defence cooperation between both Partnership: Webinar and Expo’’, up in the Expo,” the statement said. the nations,” the statement noted. said the statement. Various Indian The webinar is part of a series of companies such as Alpha Design (Excerpted from: www.outlookindia.com on webinars being organised with Technologies Pvt Ltd, Larsen and 25 September 2020) © Outlook

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 13 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Indian Government Gives $ 1.5 Million India Offers Worth of Demining Equipment for the Royal Scholarships to Cambodian Armed Forces Cambodian Students in Health Sector The Indian government is providing $1.5 operations. She said the Indian million worth of demining equipment government is also deeply committed The Government of India, through the for the Royal Cambodian Armed in continuing its human resource Forces’ peacekeeping operation. A development and training programmes for Indian Council for Cultural Relations signing ceremony was presided over peacekeeping forces, language training, (ICCR), has announced to offer by Defence Minister General Tea Banh. or any other training – whether it’s for scholarships to Cambodian students to The agreements were signed by Indian naval, air force or armed forces personnel pursue their medical studies in Ayurveda, Ambassador to Cambodia Ms. Manika –under The India Technical and Economic Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy Jain and Defence Ministry’s Permanent Cooperation (ITEC) programme in India. (AYUSH) in India. Secretary of State General Neang Phat. “This demining assistance continues to be The Ministry of AYUSH, under its At the event, Gen Banh said one of a key point of cooperation between the two “International Scholarship Programme”, the challenges the Kingdom faces is not countries. The current grant of $1.5 million extends financial support to the eligible having enough demining equipment for its from the Government of India is part of foreign students for undertaking AYUSH peacekeeping operations and the need to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ degree courses in premier institutes upgrade the Blue Helmets’ capability and demining capacity enhancement,” the in India, said the Embassy of India in capacity. Ambassador Ms. Manika said statement said. Phnom Penh in a recent announcement. at the event that India is committed to expanding and deepening the countries’ (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh. (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh. cooperation, especially in defence-related com on 11 August 2020) com on 16 July 2020) activities and also in peacekeeping © Khmer Times © Khmer Times

Indian PM Modi Hails Cambodia’s India, Lao PDR Highlight Virus Prevention Efforts Need for Global Cooperation Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised the Cambodian government on its “effective in Post-COVID World control” of the pandemic, calling its response as “a model for the world”. His remarks were made during a India and the Lao PDR on 12 June 2020 agreed on the phone conversation with Prime Minister Hun Sen on June need for international cooperation to prepare for a post- 11, 2020 where they discussed several issues, including Covid world. During their telephonic conversation on June the COVID-19 pandemic which has ravaged countries 12, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Lao worldwide. People’s Democratic Republic counterpart H E Thongloun After the call, Mr Modi took to Twitter to acknowledge Sisoulith also exchanged views on the health and economic its significant ties with the Kingdom. “India shares challenges posed by the pandemic. deep cultural and historical links with Cambodia – an An official statement said that Modi commended the important partner in our extended neighbourhood. I effective measures taken by the government to contain conveyed India’s commitment to further strengthening the spread of the pandemic in Lao PDR. “Both leaders its relationship with Cambodia in all areas,” the Indian agreed on the need for international cooperation, and for premier wrote. sharing of best-practices and experiences, in order to The Cambodian Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a prepare for the post-Covd world,” the statement said. PM statement, said the two leaders tackled joint efforts in Modi highlighted India’s historic and cultural links with the combating the coronavirus. “His Excellency Modi praised Lao PDR and expressed satisfaction at being involved in Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the Royal Government of the restoration of the World Heritage Site at Vat Phou. PM Cambodia for achieving effective control of the COVID-19 Thongloun Sisoulith thanked Modi for India’s support for outbreak thereby serving as a model for the world,” the Lao PDR’s development programmes, in capacity-building statement said. “The two Prime Ministers thanked each and for scholarships. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s other for the attention and facilities [that both have] commitment to continue its development partnership provided to enable the repatriation of their respective with the Lao PDR, a valued partner in India’s extended nationals stranded in both countries,” the statement neighbourhood, the statement said. added. (Excerpted from www.deccanherald.com on 13 June 2020) (Excerpted from: www.khmertimeskh.com on 11 June © Deccanherald 2020) © Khmer Times

14 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation To Avoid Overdependence on China, Cambodia Needs to Build Its Relations with India

As its economy is severely affected by training courses on conservation and can ask India through the Indian the dual impact of COVID-19 and the preservation to the museum staff. embassy in Phnom Penh to provide more EU’s withdrawal of “Everything But Arms” Considering India’s role in scholarships to Cambodian students trade privileges, Cambodia should look Southeast Asia in general and its role in and government officials. At the moment, to India for support. Cambodia in particular, it is imperative India offers about 25 government What is more, India has been for Cambodia to look westward and scholarships to Cambodians per year. providing various forms of aid and increase its engagement with India. This number is low if compared to some assistance to Cambodia. Quick In times of increasing uncertainty 180 scholarships given by the Chinese Impact Projects, which is at the core caused by the U.S.-China competition government to Cambodians annually. of India’s aid program to Cambodia, and the COVID-19 crisis, as well as In sum, through historical, cultural, focuses on social development, gender the economic slowdown triggered by and economic ties, Cambodia can empowerment, and the U.N. Sustainable COVID-19, Cambodia needs to deepen deepen and take its relations with India Development Goals. Each year, India its relations with India. to new heights. Cambodia has to bring provides 25 scholarships to Cambodian To engage India meaningfully, in the Indian card to balance China’s students to pursue higher education in Cambodia should look for alternative economic and geopolitical influence India and offers short capacity building ways to create a conducive environment in Cambodia as well as in Southeast programs for Cambodian government for Indian investors to increase their Asia, which is causing concerns among officials. investments in Cambodia. Taking ASEAN members and Cambodia’s key To support Cambodia’s demining advantage of India’s 1.3 billion people is partners such as Japan, the European efforts, India donated 15 sniffer dogs in obviously the way forward for Cambodia, Union, and the United States. 2016. It recently provided $1.5 million which is seeking to diversify its export As India can play a pivotal role in worth of demining equipment to assist markets after the European Union’s strengthening multipolarity in the region Cambodia’s peacekeeping operations. partial withdrawal of the Everything and India’s rise seems to be inevitable, India has been one of the original But Arms (EBA) trade scheme that Cambodia must step up to engage India contributors to Cambodia’s national Cambodia has enjoyed since 2001. now and in the future to take advantage budget for the Extraordinary Chambers To boost people-to-people of the opportunities that the forthcoming in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), also engagement, Cambodia needs to Indian rise has to offer. known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, proactively engage India to enhance since its establishment in 2006. Under various forms of collaboration and (Excerpted from www.thediplomat.com on 21 the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), interactions. Cambodia can frankly talk August, 2020, authored by Bunna Vann and India has helped Cambodia to build to the Indian government about its need Kimkong Heng) © The Diplomat the MGC Asian Traditional Textiles for more support to develop its human Museum in Siem Reap and offered capital. The Cambodian government

India Approves Additional Investment of US$ 121.27 million for Shwe Oil & Gas Project in Myanmar

On June 24, 2020, in a major in addition to further strengthening in this project. OVL has invested US$ development, the Union Cabinet India’s energy security needs. The 722 million (about Rs 3949 crores, as approved additional investment by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs per corresponding average annual ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL) towards further approved an additional investment exchange rate) till 31st March 2019 in development of Shwe oil & gas project in of US$ 121.27 million (about Rs 909 this project. The first gas from the Shwe Myanmar. The decision was taken in a crores) by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) Project was received in July 2013 and cabinet meeting chaired by the Hon’ble towards further development of Shwe plateau production was reached in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. oil & gas project in Myanmar. ONGC December 2014. The Project has been The participation of India’s PSU giant Videsh (OVL) has been associated with generating positive cash flows since FY in oil & gas exploration and development exploration and development of Shwe 2014-15. projects in neighbouring countries is gas project in Myanmar since 2002, as aligned with India’s Act East Policy, and part of a consortium of companies from (Excerpted from www.nenow.in on 24 June also part of India’s strategy to develop South Korea, India and Myanmar. The 2020) © Northeast Now Energy Bridges with its neighbours Indian PSU, GAIL, is also a co-investor

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 15 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

India, Laos to Discuss Raising Bilateral Trade as MEA Pushes for Diversity in Markets The Ministry of External Affairs is keen been reliable trade partners. However, present status of economic situation on focussing on all markets, however India’s share in Laos’ imports is still in Lao PDR in view of Covid-19 and small, to help Indian exporters look for very small and much below China’s. formulate roadmap/strategies that opportunities amidst global restructuring There is a lot of potential for increase need to be followed to enhance India’s of supply chains due to the Covid-19 and the effort of the government will be share in Lao PDR imports, according to pandemic and the spotlight this week to build on the existing potential,” the FIEO. Senior officials from Lao National will be on Lao PDR — one of the smallest official said. India’s total trade with Laos Chamber of Commerce and Industry nations within the ten-member ASEAN. reached $28.18 million in 2019-20 out of (LNCCI) and the Ministry of Commerce Indian exporters and their counterparts which exports were worth $ 25 million. have been invited to join the session, the from Laos will discuss opportunities The country’s export to Laos was small official said. Laos is not only important for increasing trade and investment compared to China’s exports worth $1.7 for India in terms of being a market between the two countries at a video billion. “Due to the pandemic and the for goods, but also for investments. In conference organised by the Indian strained relations between China and fact, the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Embassy in Lao PDR, in association many of its trading partners, a shift in and Vietnam (CLMV) corridor is one of with exporters’ body FIEO, this week, an supply chains is likely to happen. This is the fastest-growing sub-regions within official told BusinessLine. the right time for Indian exporters to push the ASEAN and India also has plans to The MEA has started the exercise in markets where their presence is low,” promote investments in the four countries of roping in its consulates world over the official said. Electrical machinery and which could serve as a gateway for it to to help push India’s exports wherever equipment, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, the rest of South Asia. possible with the objective of not only ceramics and organic chemicals are a . increasing but diversifying trade. “India few of the main products exported from (Excerpted from www.thehindubusinessline. and Laos have shared friendly relations India to Lao PDR. The objective of the com on 21 August 2020) for the past many decades and have video conference is to understand the © The Hindu Business Line

Indian submarine INS Sindhuvir Officially India, Myanmar Discuss Operationalisation Inducted into of Sittwe Port, Indian Side Announces Myanmar Navy New Initiatives

On 25 December 2020, Myanmar India’s Foreign Secretary Shri Harsh Chin state to ramp up economic officially inducted a submarine handed Shringla and Indian Army Chief connectivity between Mizoram over by India in the month of October. General M M Naravane concluded and Myanmar, people familiar with INS Sindhuvir was commissioned as UMS a two-day visit to Myanmar on developments said on condition of Minye Theinkhathu and inducted on the October 5, 2020 with the focus on anonymity. During their meeting with 73rd anniversary of the Myanmar Navy. taking forward bilateral ties in areas Suu Kyi (Myanmar’s state counsellor) During the commissioning ceremony, ranging from economic cooperation at the foreign ministry in Naypyitaw, Indian ambassador to Myanmar H E to security. This was the first time Shringla and Naravane discussed Saurabh Kumar was also present along an Indian delegation to Myanmar the “possibility of joint production of with top brass of Myanmar’s Navy. included both officials. Myanmar Covid-19 vaccine, operationalisation This is the first time India has given already received a consignment of of the Sittwe port in the early part a submarine to any country and shows 3,000 vials of drug Remdesivir from of 2021 and conducting vocational growing defence cooperation between the Indian side for treating Covid-19 training programmes for youth in the two neighbouring countries. The patients. Rakhine state”, Myanmar’s foreign Indian side has been training Myanmarese India announced a quota for ministry said in a Facebook post. Naval personnel. Last year, Indian and importing 150,000 tonnes of urad (Excerpted from www.hindustantimes.com Myanmar naval undertook joint exercises dal from Myanmar till March 2021, and a grant of $2 million for building on 5 October 2020, authored by Rezaul IMNEX 2019 in Bay of Bengal. H Laskar) a bridge at Byanyu-Sarsichauk in © Hindustan Times (Excerpted from www. zeenews.india.com on 26 December 2020) © ZEE NEWS

16 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

SC Allows Centre to Continue Construction Work of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project

On 11th August, Supreme Court allowed credibility is under question.” India has Structurals Limited and Manipur Tribal the Centre to continue the construction to start the construction of the first bridge Development Corporation Limited in work of the India-Myanmar-Thailand so that Myanmar is not frustrated, he 2017. However, due to delays, the Trilateral Highway Project even as the added. “There is no stay on the project Centre terminated the contract in 2018, Manipur High Court is hearing the at this moment. We will start functioning following which Niraj Cement challenged dispute over the contract between the on the first bridge. Our agencies can the order of termination. government and a construction firm. start on the project. Please do not pass The 1,360 km long India-Myanmar- A bench of the apex court, headed any orders which would prevent us from Thailand Trilateral Highway is an initiative by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad taking advantage of the situation,” the pertaining to the three countries. India Arvind Bobde, said that the court is of Attorney General told the bench. is undertaking the construction of two the view that the work should go on with The bench noted that the Union of sections of the Trilateral Highway in regard to the importance of the project. India is free to carry on its work because Myanmar namely -- the construction of “However in the interest of justice, we the stay expired in September last year. 120.74 km Kalewa-Yagyi road section request the Manipur High Court to Last month, the top court had cleared a and construction of 69 bridges along expeditiously dispose of the matter major roadblock in the completion of the with the approach road on the 149.70 within a period of two weeks,” the bench Trilateral Highway Connectivity project km Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road said. Appearing for the Centre, Attorney by staying the litigation initiated by the section. General KK Venugopal said, “We have defaulting contractor before the Manipur received a letter from our ambassador in High Court. (Excerpted from www.auto.economictimes. Myanmar saying that China completes According to media reports, the indiatimes.com on 11 August 2020) © Auto.com from Economics Times its projects swiftly and on time but India’s project was awarded to Niraj Cement

Border Trade India Lauds Thailand’s Handling of Covid between India and Crisis: To Send 7-8 Repatriation Flights to the Myanmar to Resume Country to Get Back Indians India’s envoy to Thailand H E Suchitra Thailand is our maritime neighbour is a Border trade between India and Myanmar Durai has lauded Thailand’s handling very important aspect, so the bilateral in the Sagaing region will resume after it of the COVID crisis and said India has aspect we have underlined the areas. was stopped in the wake of the Covid-19 brought to notice to Thailand about In the ASEAN context, we have offered pandemic. The international gate at the India’s ASEAN scholarships which can 1000 slots for post doctorial fellowships border was closed in March due to the be “used under the current situation”. and some of these are in targetted drugs, pandemic. Speaking exclusively to our Principal robotics, this is the time. Thailand is one The authorities have decided to Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal of the 10 countries who will be facilitated resume the trade with strict Covid-19 from Bangkok, the Indian envoy said 1600 through post-doctoral fellowship. We protocols. “Border trade will resume Indians have registered for repatriation have brought this to the notice of the Thai on January 6, but there will be some for which India is expected to send 7-8 side and emphasised young researchers changes as the virus has also spread in flights. on both sides can work in all these India. We need to discuss how to prevent On the first of May, Hon’ble PM Modi areas and this is will be used under the infection while carrying on with the had a telephonic conversation with the current situation. As far as BIMSTEC is trade,” Myanmar Times quoted an official Hon’ble Thai PM and it was a detailed concerned, PM has been speaking to the as saying. telephonic conversation and both sides leadership of all the BIMSTEC countries. Most of the vehicles engaged in shared all the steps they are taking PM had taken the initiative to launch the India-Myanmar border trade pass to deal with COVID. Also, both sides SAARC COVID 19 emergency fund. This talked about how they can cooperate in is how we have been working bilaterally through Tamu crossing and the Reed research and development in the medical with Thailand. This was stated by Suchitra crossing in Chin state. area. PM Modi also assured Thailand, Durai to WION. (Excerpted from www.nenow.in 5 January any medical support needed by Thailand . 2021) during this time, India will be happy to (Excerpted from www.wionews.com on 14 May © North East Now facilitate it. Our relations are very warm, 2020) historic and very close and the fact, © WION

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 17 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

US$ 5 million Provided to the Government of Myanmar for India- Myanmar Border Area Development

During a call on Lt-Gen Ye Aung, development of the Chin State and Naga project. Overall, in the third cycle of India- Minister for Border Affairs, Government Self -Administered Zone. Under the third Myanmar Border Area Development, of Myanmar by Shri Saurabh Kumar, year projects, nine roads and bridges so far 141 projects of construction of the Ambassador of India to Myanmar and five schools have been constructed roads and bridges, healthcare centres, on August 28, a cheque was handed in Chin State. The projects have been schools and other facilities in Chin State over for US$ 5 million for the third year undertaken in nine townships with 82 and Naga Self-Administered Zone have of the India-Myanmar Border Area beneficial villages. been implemented or are in advance Development. The beneficiaries include an stages of implementation. A Memorandum of Understanding estimated 28,000 people. Similarly The Government of India will (MoU) on India-Myanmar Border Area in Naga Self-Administered Zone, 14 continue to work with Government of Development was signed during the visit roads and bridges and six schools Myanmar to further extend assistance in of Prime Minister of India to Myanmar in and one healthcare centre have been the Border Areas. May 2012. According to this MoU, India constructed in around three township would grant US$ 5 million per annum for areas covering 80 villages. An estimated (Excerpted from www. mizzima.com on 30 the basic infrastructure and livelihood 49,000 villagers have benefitted from the August 2020) © mizzima

India, Vietnam Agree to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Partnership; Explore Closer Co-op in Nuclear Energy and Space

India and its key SE Asian partner Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Mekong Delta region, SDGs, digital Vietnam on 25th August decided to New Delhi and Diplomatic Academy connectivity and heritage conservation. explore closer cooperation in emerging of Vietnam, Hanoi” and “MoU between 12 QIPs for implementation in Vietnam areas -- civil nuclear energy, space, National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi have been approved by the Government marine sciences and new technologies and Scientific Research Institute of Sea of India, including 7 QIPs in water resource and decided to expand their Indo-Pacific and Islands, Hanoi” were also signed management in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta partnership. India and Vietnam agreed to on the margins of the Joint Commission Region and 5 QIPs related to construction enhance their bilateral cooperation in line Meeting. of educational infrastructure in Vietnam. with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative During the meeting, both sides Based on their strong convergence (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on reviewed the recent developments of views on many global and regional Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, in India-Vietnam Comprehensive issues, both sides agreed to coordinate prosperity and growth for all in the region. Strategic Partnership and discussed the closely at multilateral forums, including India invited Vietnam to collaborate on future trajectory of their wide-ranging at the UN Security Council, where both one of the seven pillars of the IPOI. This engagement. They agreed to add new India and Vietnam will serve concurrently is significant in the backdrop of Chinese momentum to the economic and defence as non-permanent members in 2021. aggression in the Indo-Pacific region engagement between the two countries They also agreed to step up including South China Sea region. and to explore closer cooperation in cooperation and coordination at The outcomes were result of the emerging areas such as civil nuclear important regional forums under the 17th Meeting of the India-Vietnam energy, space, marine sciences and ASEAN framework. He expressed India’s Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, new technologies, according to a MEA full support to Vietnam’s chairmanship Scientific and Technological Cooperation statement. of ASEAN this year and appreciated the co-chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar and The External Affairs Minister positive leadership provided by Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s development and to ASEAN in a year when the world is and Foreign Minister of Vietnam. capacity building assistance to Vietnam faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet was held via video- through initiatives such as Quick Impact conference on 25th August. On the Projects (QIP), ITEC and e-ITEC initiatives, (Excerpted from www.economictimes. occasion the two sides signed MoU for PhD fellowships, as well as projects in indiatimes.com on 25 August 2020) “cooperation between Sushma Swaraj water resource management in Vietnam’s © The Economic Times.

18 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 News on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation India Funds Seven Water Management Projects in Four Vietnam’s Mekong Delta Provinces The Indian Government will support in terms of institutional support and Delta localities in My Tho city of Tien seven water management projects in capacity improvement in various fields Giang province, which sought ways the Mekong Delta provinces of Ben Tre, over the past years. Deputy Head of the to respond to risks from drought and Hau Giang, Kien Giang, and Tien Giang Foreign Ministry’s General Economic saltwater intrusion during the 2020-2021 with non-refundable aid of USD 350,000. Department Pham Thi Anh said the dry season, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan The MOUs, each worth USD 50,000, activity is a symbol of the enduring Phuc stressed, “No households should were signed by the Consul General of friendship among member states of the be left without water and water storage India at , Dr. Madan Mekong - Ganga Cooperation (MGC) as measures are very much in need.” Mohan Sethi and officials of the four well as between Vietnam and India. The PM assigned the Ministry of beneficiary provinces, in the presence It has been reported that the Agriculture and Rural Development to of Ambassador of India to Vietnam H E Mekong Delta experienced record speed up the implementation of major Pranay Verma and Deputy Head of the saline intrusion in the 2015-2016 and irrigation and water supply projects Foreign Ministry’s General Economic 2019-2020 dry seasons, seriously and the Ministry of Health to guide the Department Pham Thi Anh. affecting local production and daily localities in monitoring water quality. They are part of 26 quick- life. The region is forecast to see a Apart from drought and saltwater impact projects funded by India in 22 high level of drought and saltwater intrusion, attention should also be paid Vietnamese cities and provinces, 13 of intrusion in the upcoming 2020-2021 to flood prevention, he said, stressing which have been completed while 12 dry season, with about 5.3-6.1 percent that it is necessary to protect human life others will be launched during the 2020- of its total rice area and 14-23 percent and property during flooding. 2021 fiscal year. Speaking at the event, of its fruit-growing area affected. Some Indian Ambassador H E Pranay Verma 70,600 local households will also face (Excerpted from www.vietnamtimes.org.vn on said the traditional relationship between water shortages. On the same day, at a 24 September 2020) the two nations is a successful model meeting with representatives of Mekong © Vietnam Times India Business Matching Week 2020 (Lifestyle Products) Witnessed Strong Business Results and Ended with a Grand Success

The Thailand-India Business than 300 business matching meetings Thailand - India Business Matching Week Matching Week 2020 (Lifestyle Products) took place during the period of this was organised by The Office of SMEs was held from 21-25 September 2020 business matching event and Indian Promotion (OSMEP) Ministry of Industry, (Monday - Friday). The essence of this buyers were positive about the quality Thailand, supported by the Retailers trade platform was for SMEs, Brands & of products brought to the table by the Association of India (RAI) and the Small & OEM suppliers from Thailand to connect Thai exhibitors. The surge in business Medium Business Development Chamber with industry buyers from India to due to this interaction is estimated to of India (SME Chamber of India). create new partnership opportunities by amount to more than USD 6 million worth capturing the robust demand for trendy of business which will be generated over (Excerpted from www.outlookindia.com on 8 lifestyle products from Thailand. More the course of the coming months. The October, 2020) © Outlook India Connectivity Projects, Border Haats Can Transform Indo-Myanmar Partnership

The ongoing connectivity projects In his Inaugural address, Ambassador She also brought about the unmatched between India and Myanmar and border Saurabh Kumar, India’s Ambassador to potential of the tourism sector in NER and haats can be gamechanger for sub- Myanmar, recalled his visit to border areas said, “North-East Region is a paradise regional linkages as part of Indo-Pacific and highlighted the role of the Border unexplored for national and international construct. This was flagged at the Area Development program put in by the tourists”. She also underlined cultural Asian Confluence (Think tank) hosted Government of India and how it has helped and academic engagements between webinar “Brahmaputra-Ayeyarwady in developing socio-economic institutes NER and Myanmar and talked about the Dialogue: India Myanmar Cooperation for in Chin state and Naga-Self Administered Burmese language schools in Manipur Prosperous Border Zone”. The discussion areas. In the keynote address Dr. Najma Universities and other educational held tried to assess the opportunities and Heptulla, Governor, Manipur advocated institutions. challenges on the current agendas of the revival of border trade and underlined (Excerpted from www.wionews.com on 14 May collaboration, bring together a renewed the crucial role of trade and connectivity 2020) narrative of cooperation post-COVID era. in the transformation of border states. © WION

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 19 Opinions

From Pagodas in Myanmar to Shiva Temple in Lao PDR, How India Is Helping Countries Restore Cultural Heritage

Playing an important role in the began in November 2018 and is likely to cultural and heritage restoration projects restoration of cultural heritage in several continue until 2028. in Malaysia, Mongolia, Bahrain, Israel, countries across the region, from Sri In Cambodia, India has committed Turkestan, France, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Lanka to Myanmar to Vietnam to Bhutan, to carry out the restoration of the ancient Maldives, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India has taken a lead in helping nations temple of “Preah Vihar” built during the Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos restore lost glory. In this endeavour, the period of the Khmer Empire. In Vietnam, and Vietnam. Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) new India is restoring, “My Son group of The DPA-IV division also plans division -- the Development Partnership temples” which are regarded as one to promote restoration and revival of Administration or DPA-IV - has emerged of the prime Hindu temple complexes intangible cultural heritage like language, as the key, coordinating several such in Southeast Asia. The temple complex rituals, practices, performing and other projects spearheaded by India. was built in the 9th century AD under the fine arts in an institutional manner. In South-East Asia, the focus is reign of King Indravarman II. This is expected to be broadened to on Myanmar, Lao, Cambodia and During the restoration work, the scripture preservation and digitization Vietnam. In Myanmar, conservation Archaeological Survey of India made a of manuscripts. India had in 1986 sent of earthquake-damaged Pagodas at discovery of the monolithic sandstone teams of Archaeological Survey of India Bagan is underway. In Lao, restoration of Shiva Linga. Tweeting on this, External (ASI) for the restoration of “Angkor Wat”. Vat Phou Shiva temple is being carried Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar Other examples of India’s restoration out in two stages. Vat Phou Shiva is Lord called the discovery a “reaffirming a projects include temple complex at “Ta Shiva temple dating back to 5th and 6th civilizational connect” and a “great Prohm” in Cambodia. century AD and predates the famous cultural example of India’s development Angkor Wat. The water from the spring partnership. The Ministry of External (Excerpted from www.dnaindia.com on behind the temple is considered to be Affairs has completed over 49 projects 3 July 2020 authored by Sidhant Sibal) sacred. The second phase of the project all around the globe which includes © DNA India

A Stronger India Contributes to the Global Good Today, India celebrates its 74th vaccine and irrespective of who 1964, has grown exponentially but its Independence Day. For a country with develops a successful one, Indian ethos remains unchanged – cooperation an ancient past, this may seem short, vaccine production facilities will play at the request of the recipient state; but it is a period marked by long strides. a role in enabling uninterrupted global mutually beneficial partnership; The path is not without hurdles. supply. responsible financial assistance. Under The Covid-19 pandemic is a crisis of On May 1, both India’s Hon’ble the ASEAN-India rubric, India has unprecedented scale for the entire Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and offered 1,000 post-doctoral fellowships world. It is particularly so for populous, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan- at the prestigious Indian Institutes of open, federal democracies. While the o-cha agreed on the telephone, inter Technology, of which Thailand will get total case load in India may appear high, alia, to pursue cooperation in the area 100 slots. The areas identified – AI, effective domestic management has of medical research and development. robotics, machine learning, targeted enabled a recovery rate of 68.2%. Both Another significant layer of drugs – all fit into Thailand’s Industry 4.0. the central and provincial governments engagement is at the sub-regional India’s Vision of the Indo-Pacific have taken steps to ramp up hospital level. India is the oldest partner of the stated by Prime Minister Modi at the ICU beds, availability of ventilators, PPE lower Mekong countries -- this year, the Shangri La Dialogue in June, 2018 and essential medicines. Mekong Ganga Cooperation completes complements the ASEAN outlook on the During this period, Indians also 20 years. As one of the Bay of Bengal Indo-Pacific. worked hard to ensure that global littoral countries, we are partners in the It is an inclusive vision with ASEAN medical supply chains were not Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral centrality at its core. PM Modi also disrupted. By exporting/gifting essential Technical and Economic Cooperation outlined a major Indo-Pacific Oceans medicines to more than 150 countries (BIMSTEC). In 2019, India also joined Initiative at the East Asia Summit in in the world (including Thailand) India the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Bangkok in November 2019. lived up to its title of the “Pharmacy of Economic Cooperation Strategy the World”. India’s research laboratories (ACMECS) as a development partner. (Excerpted from www.bangkokpost.com on and vaccine production facilities are The Indian Technical and Economic 15 August 2020, authored by Suchitra Durai) part of global efforts for an effective Cooperation programme, started in © Bangkok Post

20 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Opinions

Re-imagining the Neighbourhood through Subregional Connectivity As India re-imagines its neighbourhood, the subregional BBIN framework intended to in joint statements. This includes the cross-border connectivity through achieve the objectives of the new approach Delhi–Hanoi Rail Link, the India–Mekong subregions is playing a critical role. The and bringing together the Bay of Bengal Economic Corridor and the BCIM-Economic idea of re-integrating its neighbourhood and the Himalayan subregions. Corridor (EC). through a subregional approach began to This bottom-up approach has given Bridging the missing links in and emerge in the late 1990s, but it was only India the way forward in building trans- around India will integrate Iran to the west in the mid-2000s that a sustained push for border connectivity and helps it circumvent and Vietnam to the east through both land subregional connectivity started to take political challenges. and sea. Better connectivity in India’s concrete shape. India’s geographic location As India pursues a more robust “Act subregions will support the idea of wider and size makes it a natural connector for its East” policy, Delhi has been pushing its integration between South Asia, Southeast immediate neighbours and beyond. connectivity projects in two subregional Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, eastern Delhi is aware of the critical role groupings — the Bay of Bengal Initiative Africa, and the Indian Ocean where Delhi it has in enhancing connectivity in its for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic could take the leading role. neighbourhood, both in land and at sea. Cooperation (BIMSTEC) or the Mekong– Delhi’s inability to fully integrate itself Having failed to push regional connectivity Ganga Cooperation (MGC) to further with the subregions adversely affects initiatives under the South Asia Association integrate with Southeast Asia. its image-building efforts as a regional for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral power. As India renews its interest to framework, India’s shifted the focus on Highway project and the sea-river-land push for subregional connectivity, some subregional connectivity. Connectivity Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project of the structural challenges that have long projects were initiated at bilateral, trilateral that aims to develop transport infrastructure marred effective implementation of strategic and subregional levels to expand cross- in western Myanmar and Northeastern India infrastructure projects both within as well as border transport infrastructure. forms the key connectivity projects in linking in the neighbourhood are being addressed. Delhi has envisioned various India with that Mekong subregion and have The challenge for New Delhi is one of subregions in and around the subcontinent. seen notable progress in recent years with sustaining the momentum generated by its Re-integrating the subcontinent by re- greater involvement from Delhi. subregional initiatives. discovering the old as well as building As part of the ongoing policy changes new land, sea, and riverine corridors has and renewed focused on subregional (Excerpted from www.orfonline.org on been a key focus. Recent years has seen connectivity initiatives, India would need to 25 March 2020, authored by Harsh V. Pant various connectivity projects in the eastern take some of the subregional connectivity and K. Yhome) subcontinent at the bilateral, trilateral and projects and plans beyond mere mentioning © ORF ASEAN’s Relations with India, US and Japan under the Shadow of the Chinese Belligerence: Future Prospects and Challenges India and the South East Asia share a In view of close relations of India with largest trading partner at US$ 96.79 billion. long cultural history, which over the years all ASEAN members particularly with its Both sides have set the target of US$ 200 has helped in shaping economic, social, chair Vietnam, the partnership holds ample billion by 2022. India is discussing with political and security relations between potentials for a successful future. There other countries the formation of the Supply them. The launch of “Look East Policy” are commonalities in the ASEAN Outlook Chains Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to reduce in 1992, which was later rechristened as for Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo- dependence on the Chinese supply line “Act East” policy in 2015 was a milestone Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) indicating and ensuring less volatility in rates. Nations in India’s relations with South East Asian coordinated approach for a free, open are getting disenchanted with BRI because nations. It became its Sectoral Dialogue and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based it is seen as a debt trap. Alternative for Partner in 1992, a Summit Level Partner in on international norms and laws. The IPOI BRI would emerge based on equality and 2002 and its ties were elevated to Strategic draws on existing regional cooperation following the best international system for partnership in 2012. India has engaged architecture and mechanisms to focus on financial assistance. These steps would the group both at the regional and bilateral seven central pillars conceived around yield results in the long run. levels. India and ASEAN are having relations Maritime Security; Maritime Ecology; The need for greater strategic and at several levels- India-ASEAN Summits, Maritime Resources; Capacity Building and economic coordination between ASEAN India ASEAN Defence Ministers Meet Plus, Resource Sharing; Disaster Risk Reduction and India cannot be underestimated. Both India-ASEAN Strategic Dialogue, ARF, EAS and Management; Science, Technology India and Vietnam as chair of ASEAN would Foreign Ministers meeting, EAS, etc. The and Academic Cooperation; and Trade be working in coordination at the UNSC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation- an initiative of Connectivity and Maritime Transport. at the ASEAN platforms and their sustained six nations-India and five ASEAN countries, India’s concept is benign and transparent efforts could succeed in the implementation namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand which receives appreciation from ASEAN of international laws and norms in the SCS and Vietnam- is established for cooperation members. There are significant possibilities and establish peace, stability and security in tourism, culture, education, as well as for cooperation in the above sectors. India in the broader region of Indo-Pacific. transport and communications. At bilateral believes in the Security and Growth for all (Excerpted from www.timesofindia.indiatimes. level with all the nations, arrangements for Regions (SAGAR). com on 19 September 2020, authored by S.D. cooperation exist including for capacity Efforts to boost economic relations are Pradhan) building in security sector. being intensified. ASEAN is India’s fourth © Times of India

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 21 Opinions

Moving Forward with Millennia of History

India-Cambodia relations can be traced relations, Indian Minister of Commerce Mesco Gold, Bajaj Cambodia and Sram all the way back to the beginning of the and Industry and Civil Aviation Shri Mram Ltd. Common Era or perhaps even before, Suresh Prabhu visited Cambodia in The Indian government has planned when Hindu and Buddhist religious and May 2018 to participate in the India- to increase Indian economic presence in cultural influences emanated out of India CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. to Cambodia and the greater Southeast and Vietnam) Business Conclave in India’s trade with the four nations has Asia region. Phnom Penh, and held meetings with experienced significant growth over the There exists abundance of Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister years, from $460 million in 2000 to $4.97 goodwill for India in Cambodia, of Commerce Pan Sorasak on trade billion in 2004 and $14.5 billion in 2017. which has been sustained by regular improvement and connectivity. Currently South Asia’s largest interactions between political leaders, India and Cambodia have jointly trading partner with Cambodia, the exchange of bilateral visits, aid and organised events in the Kingdom, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, India assistance, capacity building, cultural such as the 5th India-CLMV Business is negotiating the India-Cambodia exchanges and concessional loans for Conclave and the Incredible India Bilateral Investment Treaty. Cambodia developmental projects, as well as the Roadshow in May 2018. and India have signed agreements restoration and conservation of ancient As well as organising events in the on cooperation in the areas such as temples in the Kingdom. Kingdom, a Cambodian government agriculture, scientific and technological In the context of India’s “Act East” and business delegation were invited cooperation, entrepreneurship policy and ASEAN, Cambodia is an to India to participate in the Advantage development and tourism. The economic important interlocutor and a good Assam-India’s Expressway to ASEAN relations between the countries are partner. Contemporary times have in February 2018 and the FICCI Higher also facilitated by the Mekong-Ganga witnessed the expansion of cooperation Education Summit, Saurastra Vepar Cooperation and the ASEAN-India Free in such diverse fields as institutional Udyog Maha Mandi (SVUM) in July 2018, Trade Agreement. With Cambodia and capacity building, human resources as well as other mega events and expos. India moving into the future together, development and the extension of Moreover, Sorasak led a Cambodian they enjoy thousands of years of close financial assistance in infrastructure delegation to the 4th India-ASEAN Expo history stretching behind them. projects, social security projects and and Summit in New Delhi in March last capacity building in defence. year. Indian companies investing across (Excerpted from www.phnompenhpost.com To promote trade and business multiple sectors in the Kingdom include on 14 August 2020) © The Phnom Penh Post ASEAN in the Mekong Sub-Regional Integration

At the sub-regional level, ASEAN has for infrastructure development and the aspiration of people in the region, I think that continuously created a conducive fostering of socio-economic development ACMECS needs to be the core framework environment for cooperation and in the region. Since the 2000s, a number for the Mekong sub-regional development, partnership to thrive. In this connection, of sub-regional cooperation mechanisms since it is the cooperation framework we must continue to work together to have been created to promote regional created by Mekong countries for peace, ensure that the existing Mekong sub- integration and connectivity, to narrow stability and prosperity in the Mekong regional cooperation frameworks (such as development gap among ASEAN region. Therefore, ACMECS’ fundamental the MRC, GMS, and ACMECS) continue to Member States contributing to the principles and its spirit of long-lasting serve as drivers of growth and prosperity ASEAN Community building process, cooperation for peace, stability, and in the region. Moreover, ASEAN should and to advance partnership with external sustainable and inclusive development also serve as an important link between partners. For instance, the Mekong- based on practical cooperation, friendship sub-regional cooperation mechanisms Japan Cooperation was launched in and mutual interest and understanding in the Mekong with other sub-regional 2007. Over the past two decades, this should be the core values for the sub- frameworks, including BIMP-EAGA and cooperation framework has contributed regional cooperation. Indeed, since IMS-GT, in order to promote synergy and to the sub-regional cooperation, its inception in 2003, ACMECS has complementarity among sub-regional sustainable economic growth, and consistently focused on economic initiatives based on the principles of regional connectivity. Numerous projects cooperation and development, which has openness, inclusiveness, complementarity have been implemented, including the strengthened the unity and independence and local ownership. In this respect, we Plan of Actions for the Realization of the of ACMECS as well as peace, stability and must continue to strengthen and streamline 2018 Tokyo Strategy for Mekong-Japan prosperity of the Mekong region. the existing mechanisms. We should not Cooperation, focusing on three new main give priority to creating new ones. pillars, namely (1) vibrant and effective (Excerpted from www.khmertimeskh.com As far as the Mekong region is connectivity, (2) people-centered society, on 20 July 2020, authored by Cheunboran concerned, sub-regional cooperation has and (3) the realisation of a Green Mekong. Chanborey) contributed to the mobilisation of resources Speaking of local ownership and the © Khmer Times

22 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Resources

Building Infrastructure in Social Transformations in In- to contextualise CLMV: Opportunities for India dia, Myanmar, and Thailand India’s relations by Export-Import Bank of India, Social, Political and Ecological and influence in Occasional Paper No. 202, Perspectives Southeast Asia over December 2020 Edited by Chosein Yamahata, a period of nearly This report focuses Donald M. Seekins, Makiko Takeda, two thousand years, on the infrastructure Springer Singapore, 2021 through culture and gap in CLMV religion. The scope ISBN: 9789811596155 and the potential of the book extends This book focuses on opportunities beyond bilateral the different challenges for India. CLMV issues to include the multilateral, bringing and opportunities for countries are among in issues of trade negotiations under the social transformation the fastest growing Regional Comprehensive Economic in India, Myanmar and countries not only in Partnership (RCEP) and the Indo-Pacific Thailand, by centering the ASEAN region, construct. Based on interviews conducted communities and but also globally. Given their level of with experts, diplomats and scholars individuals as the developments vis-à-vis other ASEAN in the field, this book encompasses a main drivers of change. In doing so, it countries, the CLMV countries need to wide range of aspects that pertain to includes discussions on a wide array of sustain this high growth pace, supported the historical, cultural, economic and issues including women’s empowerment by infrastructure development, both strategic international relations of ASEAN and political participation, ethno-religious in terms of new infrastructure and and Thailand with India. tensions, plurilingualism, education upgradation of existing infrastructure. reform, community-based healthcare, There is also a great need and India, Vietnam and the Indo- climate change, disaster management, opportunity for private investment in Pacific: Expanding Horizons ecological systems, and vulnerability infrastructure sector in CLMV. CLMV reduction. Two core foundations Pankaj K Jha, Vo Xuan Vinh, forms an important sub-region for India. are introduced for ensuring broader Taylor & Francis, 2020 Connectivity became an important issue ISBN:9781000067347 transformations. The first is the academic of convergence between CLMV countries diplomacy project – a framework for an This book delves into the examination and India, and is a priority for India and engaged academic enquiry focusing of bilateral relations between India and CLMV countries. In order to provide a on causative, curative, transformative, Vietnam in the 21st boost to the ‘Act East Policy’ and to link and promotive factors. The second is century and how the to Southeast Asian markets, the Indian a community driven collective struggle Indo-Pacific as a geo- Government has multiple connectivity that serves as a grassroots possibility to political construct projects, through land, water, and air, facilitate positive social transformation lends itself to the along with digital connectivity projects. by using locally available resources and improvement of their enabling the participation of the resident engagement. With the Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief, population. As a whole, the book conveys rise and increasing Special Issue on 20 Years of the importance of a diversification of assertiveness of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation engagement at the grassroots level to China, the slow growth (MGC), AIC, RIS, 2020 strengthen the capacity of individuals of the United States, the resurgence The special issue as decisive stakeholders, where the of Japan, and the oscillating role of of Mekong-Ganga process of social transformation makes ASEAN as a multilateral organization, Policy Brief was communities more interconnected, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a published to interdependent, multicultural and vital in theatre of international geostrategic commemorate the building an inclusive society. competition. This book studies these twenty years of changing geopolitical realities and new Mekong-Ganga Reimagining India-Thailand evolving strategic configurations, while Cooperation. This Relations: A Multilateral and addressing political, economic, defence, special issue is the Bilateral Perspective and strategic aspects of the relationship compendium of Reena Marwah, World Scientific along with the role of China and the US articles published in previous issues of in Publishing Company, 2020 in facilitating ties. India’s Act East Policy Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief since March ISBN: 9789811212055 that was upgraded from the Look East 2007. It includes articles, speeches and Policy – one of the main drivers for India’s This book brings into focus India’s statements issued on Mekong-Ganga increasing presence in the Asia-Pacific relations with ASEAN and Thailand in Cooperation (MGC) time to time since region – is also examined in this volume. 2007. particular. The objective of the book is

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 23 Resources

Act East to Act Indo-Pacific: In- these arrangements, their challenges and and academic dia’s Expanding Neighbourhood opportunities, as well as their impact on diplomacy in Prabir De, the extant regional security architecture, facilitating peaceful including on the ASEAN-led multilateral societal change KW Publishers Pvt Limited, 2020 order. A valuable guide for students and by evaluating the ISBN: 9789389137309 policy-makers looking to understand the common challenges This book presents nature and development of minilateralism in India, Myanmar, short essays written in the Indo-Pacific region. and Thailand. It by the author on analyses urban several key aspects COVID-19 Challenges for the poverty, religious of India’s economic Indian Economy: Trade and freedom, ethnic diversity, women’s rights, development and regional partnership, relations and the Foreign Policy Effects challenges faced civil-military relations, and human security by India in the post- EEPCINDIA and AIC, 2020 in democratic transition and explores in- AEP period. Ten Countries across depth the societal issues from local and broad themes are the world are international perspectives paying special analysed in this facing serious attention to the protection of ‘rights’ and book: BBIN, BIMSTEC, SAARC, ASEAN, consequences promotion of ‘security’ in these societies. MGC, Act East–North East, BCIM, BRI, and damages to The book highlights that the continuous Act Far East and Indo-Pacific. This the economies. application of knowledge across borders volume highlights what, in author’s best Although India and the promotion of international judgement, should be the direction for has managed well norms are essential tools in enabling India’s expanding neighbourhood. It is an in contaminating social transformations from the bottom. economist’s insight and field experience the spread of In addition, the contributors promote based analysis that offers guidelines for the Coronavirus, further discussion on both the process international cooperation. This volume the COVID-19 pandemic has already and the outcome from action research is an invaluable companion for the disputed normal economic activity and projects that shape the lives of the local policymakers, academia, students of life in the country. India’s trade has been people and their communities. The book international relations, diplomats and the severely impacted. Businesses are very therefore contributes to the existing general readership as well. vulnerable to the unfolding economic literature by offering additional insights crisis. People have been facing a into the societies of India, Myanmar Minilateralism in the Indo-Pa- sudden loss in their incomes, causing and Thailand for policy makers, social cific: The Quadrilateral Securi- a major drop in demand. To rescue innovators, researchers, development analysts and planners and the general ty Dialogue, Lancang-Mekong the economy, India has announced a range of fiscal and monetary stimulus public including students. Cooperation Mechanism, and packages. This pandemic has strong ASEAN foreign and trade policy effects, and Conflicting Identities: Travails Sarah Teo,Taylor & Francis, 2020 motivated us to engage in compiling of Regionalism in Asia ISBN: 9781000060027 this Report. This Report presents freshly Edited by Anindya Jyoti Majumdar, written 40 important commentaries by Bhagaban Behera and Rabindra Sen, Both China and the senior research scholars, professors, US have contributed economists and practitioners on trade Taylor & Francis, 2019 to minilateral initiatives and foreign policy challenges posed by ISBN: 9781000651546 in the Indo-Pacific. In this crisis and the way forward. the case of the former, This volume is there is the Lancang- the culmination of Rights and Security in India, Mekong Cooperation the brainstorming mechanism-involving Myanmar, and Thailand exercise of a China, Cambodia, Edited by Chosein Yamahata, Sueo National Seminar Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam- Sudo, Takashi Matsugi, on ‘Asian Regionalism in established in 2015. In the case of the Springer Singapore, 2020 latter, there has been a revival of the the Twenty First This book is centred on the role of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in 2017— Century’ at the the triangular interactions among involving the US, Australia, Japan and Department of communities, educational sectors, India. This book examines the rise of International

24 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Resources

Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. (MGC), which was launched in 2000 and the expectations The task is to fulfil two main objectives: initiated several projects. MGC has been and challenges of to join the debate on the efficacy of celebrating 20 years of its establishment Northeast India in regionalism today and make a meaningful in 2020. In popular term, MGC = India the context of India’s contribution to an understanding of the + ACMECS. There are similarities and Act East policy. It subject; and also, to suggest ways of synergies between MGC and ACMECS. critically examines tiding over the problems faced by the India’s activities as a development how the policy is countries in various regions or sub-regions partner would further deepen the being pursued of the Asian continent in their attempts India-ACMECS relationship as well by the present to advance towards the goal of regional as MGC. This paper investigates the central government cooperation and integration. The essays linkages between ACMECS and MGC, and analyses its in this book are envisioned to benefit identifies the complementarities between relevance from local perspectives. not only a wide community of scholars ACMECS and MGC Plan of Actions Contributors to the book provide an involved in teaching and research in (POA) and discusses the potential areas examination of the differences between general and the students of international of cooperation Look East and Act East policy and relations in particular but would also be explanations of the expectations of interest to any avid reader who intends India’s Eastward Engagement: of India’s neighboring countries, to explore the patterns of contemporary From Antiquity to Act East particularly Myanmar, towards Northeast world politics. Policy India. The first book to combine a balanced view of India’s Act East policy S.D. Muni and Rahul Mishra, ACMECS – MGC Linkages and and Northeast India, it will be of interest India as Development Partner: SAGE Publications, 2019 to policy makers and academics in Potential Areas of Cooperation ISBN: 9789353282691 the fields of Development Studies, International Relations, Northeast India Prabir De, Durairaj Kumarasamy and The book presents and South Asian Politics. Sreya Pan, AIC Working Paper, No. 1, India’s engagement with its extended . January 2020 eastern neighbours The Ayeyawady- from ancient times The Impact of COVID-19 on Chao Phraya- to the present. It Tourism Enterprises in the Lao Mekong Economic argues that this People’s Democratic Republic: Cooperation Strategy engagement has An Initial Assessment (ACMECS), initiated been long rooted in ADB, June 2020 by Thailand in 2003, India’s geographical is a cooperation location, its ADB conducted framework among civilizational evolution and historical surveys of tourism the five countries transformations. The book critically enterprises in four in the Mekong examines all the important phases— of the Lao PDR’s subregion, namely, Cambodia, Lao Nehru and Post-Nehru periods, and Look major tourism PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet East and Act East policies. It exposes destinations in Nam. ACMECS has been working as a the widely entertained myths about August 2019 subregional forum to facilitate economic India’s eastward engagement and also and May 2020. cooperation among the member underlines the prospective directions in Results indicate countries. India has strong civilisational which the Act East Policy may unfold in that in May 2020 and cultural linkages with ACMECS the years to come about half of the countries. Under the overarching theme surveyed enterprises were temporarily of connectivity, the focus of ACMECS has Northeast India and India’s closed. About 70% of the surveyed been on development of border zones, Act East Policy: Identifying the enterprises had reduced employees, smart and sustainable development with employee numbers falling by 38%. Priorities and synchronised economy. To further The negative impact was larger among strengthen the ACMECS, Thailand has Edited by M. Amarjeet Singh, enterprises that target international invited India as a development partner. Taylor & Francis, 2019 guests than among those that primarily India has been actively engaged with ISBN: 9781000124187 serve domestic guests. Promotion of ACMCES under the Act East Policy (AEP) domestic tourism could be a key part of through Mekong-Ganga Cooperation This book offers an understanding of the Lao PDR’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 25 Statistical Indicators

Socio and Macro Indicators of MGC Countries, 2019 Indicator India Cambodia Lao PDR Myanmar Thailand Vietnam Population, total (million) 1366.42 16.49 7.17 54.05 69.63 96.46 GDP (current billion US$) 2875.14 27.09 18.17 76.09 543.65 261.92 GDP per capita (current US$) 2104.15 1643.12 2534.90 1407.81 7808.19 2715.28 GDP (PPP current billion $) 9611.68 75.35 58.44 289.43 1338.78 807.82 Agriculture and allied, value added (% of GDP) 15.96 20.71 15.29 21.35* 8.00 13.96 Industry, value added (% of GDP) 24.88 34.23 30.91 37.96* 33.40 34.49 Services, etc., value add- ed (% of GDP) 49.88 38.85 42.65 40.69* 58.59 41.64 Trade (% of GDP) 40.02 123.56 60.69* 110.30 210.40 GDP Growth Rate (%), (2000-2019) (CAGR) 10.02 11.08 13.17 11.95 7.98 11.85 Gross capital formation (% of GDP) 30.21 24.23 30.64* 23.95 26.84 Gross domestic savings (% of GDP) 27.99 25.78 29.59* 33.82 25.38 Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 7.66 2.46* 3.32 8.83 0.71 2.80

Source: World Development Indicators (WDI), The World Bank, Washington, D.C. Note: * indicates values are from 2018

India’s Total Trade with Regional Blocks

100 86.92 90 2000 2010 2019 80 70

60 56.24 50 40 35.80 US$ Billion 30 25.22 25.78 18.64 20 11.69 13.83 7.06 10 1.36 3.22 2.45 0 ASEAN MGC BIMSTEC SAARC

Source: Export Import Data Bank, Government of India.

26 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 Statistical Indicators

India’s Export to India’s Import from MGC Countries by Partners* MGC Countries by Partners*

8 7.3 2009 2019 5.1 2009 2019 6.8 7 4.3 6

5

4 1.8 2.9 US$ Billion 1.7

US$ Billion 3 1.0 2 1.3 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 CAMBODIA LAO PDR MYANMAR THAILAND VIETNAM 0 CAMBODIA LAO PDR MYANMAR THAILAND VIETNAM

Source: Export Import Data Bank, Government of India. Source: Export Import Data Bank, Government of India.

India’s Engagement in MGC in Response to Covid-19 India has reaffirmed the country’s leaders of the MGC member states on a India is working with ASEAN partners commitment to the neighbouring potential regional and bilateral response in supplying pharmaceutical products, countries under the ‘Neighbouring First’ to the Covid-19 pandemic (Table 1). exchange of experts and sharing of Policy, to enhance cooperation and India has launched ‘Vande Bharat information in the field of public health. mutual support to control and contain Mission’ in three extended phases of For instance, India has supplied masks, the spread of the virus. India outreaches major exercise to repatriate Indian sanitizers, and medicines and medical the Southeast Asia, South Asia and citizens across the world. Through this equipment to the Myanmar, Cambodia Island nations (Maldives, Mauritius, mission, India has repatriated thousands and Thailand. Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles) of Indian citizens from MGC countries ASEAN and India may initiate a via video conferencing and has provided and also extended help to MGC countries Joint Statement or a Declaration on medical assistance, essential medicines to bring back their citizens from India, India-ASEAN COVID-19 Response to and food items. India has extended its for instance, India has sent 3 flights to reaffirm the commitments to enhance assistance eastwards to reinforce the Act Thailand, 2 flights to Viet Nam and one their strategic cooperation and mutual East Policy (AEP). Indian Prime Minister flight each to Myanmar and Cambodia had video conferencing with several respectively. ...Continued on page 28

Table 1: India’s Engagement in MGC in Response to Covid-19

Cambodia Lao PDR Myanmar Thailand Viet Nam

Head to Head - Telephonic / √ √ √ √ √ Video Conferencing Repatriation of stranded (Vande √ √ √ √ Bharat Mission) Sharing information and √ √ √ exchange of experts Distribution of Medical and √ √ √ √ Pharmaceutical supplies Note: As on 21 June 2020. Empty cell presents data/information not available. Source: Authors’ own based on several secondary sources

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021 27 ...Continued from page 27 India’s Engagement in MGC in Response to Covid-19 support to stop the spread of COVID-19 their commitment to complete the sustainable development, energy, smart and strengthen joint efforts toward post- development of the new Plan of Action cities, connectivity, people-to-people pandemic recovery. Recently, ASEAN for 2021-2025 to further strengthen their contacts as well as narrowing the and India at the 20th ASEAN-India strategic partnership over the next five development gap in ASEAN. Joint Cooperation Committee (AIJCC) years. Meeting, held via video-conferencing Both ASEAN and India have (Excerpted from De, Prabir; Kumarasamy, on 11 June 2020, reaffirmed their agreed to enhance the cooperation Durairaj and Pan, Sreya (2020) “ASEAN- commitment to further strengthen in the areas of health emergency and India Response to COVID-19: A Silver Lining and deepen their cooperation. At this medicine, transnational crime, trade and Amidst the Health Crisis”, AIC Commentary, meeting, both parties also shared investment, environment, education, No.6, June.)

Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief An RIS Publication on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)

The Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief seeks to disseminate the policy-related research, news, viewpoints, and information about resources among the policy circles and think-tanks to promote the cause of deeper cooperation between India and Mekong countries. Views expressed by the authors in this policy brief are their personal, and do not represent the views of AIC or RIS. The information contained has been compiled from various sources, as cited, purely for education and dissemination, and not for commercial purposes. The copyrights of the material included remain with the original sources. Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief is available from AIC or RIS or can be downloaded from www.ris.org.in. About RIS Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a New Delhi-based autonomous policy research institute that specialises in issues related to international economic development, trade, investment and technology. RIS is envisioned as a forum for fostering effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among developing countries on global and regional economic issues. The focus of the work programme of RIS is to promote South-South Cooperation and collaborate with developing countries in multilateral negotiations in various forums. RIS is engaged across inter-governmental processes of several regional economic cooperation initiatives. Through its intensive network of think tanks, RIS seeks to strengthen policy coherence on international economic issues and the development partnership canvas. For more information about RIS and its work programme, please visit its website: www.ris.org.in About AIC Considering the work of the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group (AIEPG), and its Report with recommendations for forging a closer partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity, the Heads of the State/Government of ASEAN and India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit 2012, held at New Delhi on 19-20 December 2012, recommended the establishment of ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) using existing resources at New Delhi. AIC was set-up at RIS. AIC serves as a resource centre for ASEAN Member States and India to fill the knowledge gaps that currently limit the opportunities for cooperation.AIC undertakes policy research, advocacy and networking activities with organizations and think-tanks in India and ASEAN, with an aim to promote the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. For more information please visit http://aic.ris.org.in ______Contact us at:

ASEAN-India Centre at Research and Information System Core IV-B, Fourth Floor, India Habitat Centre Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003, India for Developing Countries (RIS) Ph.: +91-11-24682177-80, Fax: +91-11-24682173-74 http://aic.ris.org.in E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] website: http://www.ris.org.in

Editor: Dr. Prabir De, Professor, AIC, RIS, New Delhi Editorial Team Managing Editors: Dr. Beena Pandey, RIS and Dr. Durairaj Kumarasamy, AIC

28 Mekong-Ganga Policy Brief March 2021