ASEAN Factor and the Converging South Korea’s ‘New Southern Policy’ with India’s ‘Act East Policy’

Abstract

Changing geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific has put the regional and global security architecture in the spotlight and extensively transformed. ASEAN, India and South Korea have emerged to become important partners and their relation has become multidimensional and comprehensive. They should work together as a triangular strategic partner in order to contribute to the maintenance of the global security and ensure their centrality in the geopolitical balance between the United States, China as well as other world powers. One of the priorities in Policy Tasks of Moon Jae In’s Administration is to reinforcing international cooperation through diplomacy. He provided an opportunity to impart new momentum to diversify ROK’s diplomatic and economic strategies. The “New Southern Policy (NSP)” with its aims means to leverage ASEAN as key partners like other major players in the region and complements India’s “Act East Policy (AEP).” The article begins by analytical understanding the background of India’s Act East policy and South Korea’s New Southern Policy. Interestingly, both AEP and NSP pivot on ASEAN. Therefore, this article further identifies South East Asia and ASEAN as the driving forces for the compatibility in these policies. Taking stock of South Korea - India traditional bilateral relations and evaluating the outcome of the present administration, the article assesses the possibilities for converging these policies and the prospects of South Korea - India relations.