Introduction

Summary

The Dialogue on 30–31 March 2006 between the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) provided an opportunity for scholars from India and Singapore to reflect on Asia's resurgence and regional transformations. The delegations from both sides included members with a strong policy background. The broad- ranging opening presentations and observations on the East Asian Summit (EAS) set the context for the subsequent discussions.

The Indian side enquired about the Singaporean and ASEAN perspectives on how the EAS was likely to evolve while the Singapore side emphasized that Asia was now inter-connected as never before and India had to become even more outward looking — developments in East and Southeast Asia could no longer be viewed with indifference. In this context it was also interesting to note the observation of Professor Muni, Executive Director of International Affairs at ORF, that eventually it may not be possible to divorce East Asian integration, as defined by the EAS, from what was happening in West Asia and Central Asia since the whole question of Indian Ocean maritime security and energy security involves these two regions.

The roles of the USA, China and Japan elicited extensive discussion. Indian views on the security dynamics of the Indian Ocean, including as a theatre of deployment of the navies of extra-regional powers, were appreciated by the Singapore side. The Indian scholars also felt that Russia should not be written off in the Asian strategic equation, especially in view of its vast energy and other resources which not only bring it much foreign exchange but can also be used as instruments of influence.

Another issue which received considerable attention was non-traditional security, both in the context of the Indian Ocean region and Southeast Asia, particularly the danger of possible failed states in South Asia and uncertainties about the domestic politics and stability of a number of states in both South and Southeast Asia.