The Indo-Pacific region has become an area of growing importance for Europe, particularly in response to China's increasing dominance. Speaking at a seminar on Indo-Pacific security, German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, highlighted the need to preserve the international rules-based order in the region, which he believes is being threatened by China's actions.

 

Dr. Ackermann referred to the emergence of multilateral and mini-lateral groupings in the region as a response to China's growing influence. He also noted that several European countries, including Germany, have announced Indo-Pacific policies in recent years.

 

The German envoy stated that Europe views India as a crucial partner in this endeavor and cannot fully decouple from China due to business interests. He released a report, 'The Transitioning Security Order in the Indo-Pacific,' which emphasized the importance of India and the EU working together to temper the ordering process as co-shapers.

 

The report, a joint effort by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and Leiden Asia Centre, supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), noted that India and the EU have limited capabilities to produce a de-escalatory effect on Sino-U.S. contestation, but are uniquely positioned to foster a third way based on cooperative, consultative approaches.

 

Dr. Ackermann emphasized the need to preserve the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the face of climate change, which he believes is the next major challenge confronting the region.

 

Overall, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a key focus for Europe, with India being viewed as a preferred partner. The preservation of the international rules-based order is seen as crucial to maintaining stability and ensuring continued economic growth. Reference source: TH

 

UPSC Main Exam Question

 

Discuss the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region in the European agenda and the role of India in preserving the international rules-based order in the region.

 

Answer: The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a crucial area of focus for the European agenda in recent years. The region presents numerous opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation, but also poses significant challenges in terms of security and stability, especially with China. German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann stressed the need to preserve the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, noting that the area is where the biggest challenge with China materializes.

 

To respond to these challenges, European countries have announced Indo-Pacific policies in the last two years, including the seeding of security frameworks in response to China. Ackermann highlighted the importance of India as a preferred partner in this endeavor, given its rising global stature and strategic location in the region.

 

In this context, Ackermann released a joint report by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and Leiden Asia Centre supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), titled ‘The Transitioning Security Order in the Indo-Pacific: Furthering India-EU & Triangular Collaboration’. The report notes that while India and the EU have limited capabilities to produce a de-escalatory effect on Sino-U.S. contestation, they are uniquely positioned to foster a third way based on cooperative, consultative approaches.

 

The German envoy emphasized the need for India and the EU to work together to temper the ordering process as co-shapers rather than passive participants. He also noted that climate change is the next major challenge confronting the region.

 

In conclusion, the Indo-Pacific region's growing importance is evident in the European agenda, and India plays a vital role in preserving the international rules-based order in the region. The EU-India partnership is critical to fostering a third way based on cooperative, consultative approaches to address the challenges in the region.