PM Narendra Modi, Donald Trump may build up on 2015 APAC vision

NEW DELHI: With China in mind, India and the USA are discussing an economic architecture for the Asia-Pacific region that would be a key item on the agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 25-26 visit to Washington.

While details of the proposed Indo-US economic partnership for the Asia-Pacific region are not yet known, the plan would be an alternative for the region. This will be reflected during the Modi-Trump dialogue on June 26 as India hopes to emerge as a leading player in Asia or Indo-Pacific, and US holds on to its preeminent position in the region, persons familiar with the matter told ET. The Indo-US commitment to the Asia-Pacific region takes forward January 2015’s ‘Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean’.


“India and the US are important drivers of regional and global growth. From Africa to East Asia, we will build on our partnership to support sustainable, inclusive development, and increased regional connectivity by collaborating with other partners to address poverty and support broad-based prosperity.

“To support regional economic integration, we will promote accelerated infrastructure connectivity and economic development in a manner that links South, Southeast and Central Asia, including by enhancing energy transmission and encouraging free trade and greater people-to-people linkages,” outlined the Joint Vision that was unveiled when then US President visited Delhi on the occasion of the Republic Day.

That vision statement had advocated Freedom of Navigation and overflights in the South China Sea region, called for resolution on maritime disputes based on UNCLOS.

Since 2015, it may be recalled that India and Japan have also decided to put in place an economic and connectivity corridor from Asia to Africa. As part of this, an Indo-Japan initiative on Asia-Africa Growth Corridor was launched last month.“From the role of a balancing power, India should emerge to play a pivotal role in driving prosperity and security in the Asia Pacific region,” suggested Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, Cuts International.

ET View: Sensible Engagement
It makes sense for PM Narendra Modi to engage President Donald Trump on joint economic partnership in the Asia Pacific region. While India’s interest is clear, the PM and his delegation need to make it evident to US that such an arrangement fits in with the Trump vision of America First. Engaging US on terrorism might prove to be a trickier task, given Trump’s position that Iran is the hub of global terrorism. This is one issue where the PM could use the G20 summit to push the case.