Diplomatically, India is in a 'very sweet spot': Ex-South Korean Foreign Minister Dr. Kyung-wha Kang

Former S Korean Foreign Minister Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, President and newly appointed CEO, Asia Society, a leading global think tank in an interview with ET's Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury described India as the fastest-growing economy with a lot more potential, and noted that India is diplomatically in a very sweet spot. All countries are courting India. And India has a greater role and greater space to have a voice in steering regional dynamics.

Priority for Asia Society in India
The Asia Society India Center fosters a nuanced understanding of Asia-Pacific affairs, with a focus on educational programming geared towards community-building in South Asia, and arts programming that encourages contemporary South Asian artists and engages arts enthusiasts and professionals. The Asia Society Policy Institute in Delhi, founded in 2022, conducts policy research and promotes increased awareness of India’s strategic priorities and decision-making. Building on the Asia Society India Center’s deep networks in business and arts, we’re working to foster more holistic engagement in India and South Asia.


What are plans for Asia Society in the Indo-Pacific region in partnership with India?
India has evolved to become a growth engine for the Asian region, enjoying a strong diplomatic position that has key powers courting the country. It is the fastest-growing economy with a lot more potential there, and it’s also diplomatically in a very sweet spot. All countries are courting India. And I think India has a greater role and greater space to have a voice in steering regional dynamics. We very much hope that this voice will be exercised in a way that strengthens stability and manages the divisiveness and confrontational dynamics in the region.

I would like to utilize the full set of tools that Asia Society has to create a momentum for dialogue and the management of difficult issues in these very challenging times. India’s growing might, both economically and politically, is very important for Asia Society to appreciate and also to engage. For example, there is a lot of potential for bringing India into partnerships with other regional players in emerging science and technology issues. I would like to see our engagement with India deepened.

What are priorities for Asia Society Policy Institute & its future plans in India?
The Asia Society Policy Institute is working to further understanding of India and South Asia in the rest of the world, through policy dialogues, reports and recommendations, public events, and expert commentary.

Despite regional rivalries and political instability, South Asia has great promise for becoming a hub of growth and prosperity. We’re looking at India’s competitive bilateral relationship with China, which promises to be one of the most consequential over the next decade and has already contributed to the rebirth of the Quad and strengthened the U.S.-India relationship. Through our Getting Asia to Net Zero Commission, we’re assessing India’s role and potential as a key player in climate change by bringing together political, financial, and business leaders to lay out a roadmap for India and other countries to reap the benefits of greater climate action.

We’re also conducting several projects to assess the region’s challenges and to develop recommendations on policies to help South Asia’s countries pave a path toward stability and development.