The Proposal for an Indo-Pacific Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation: a Critical Reassessment

Abstract

The emergence of the Indo-Pacific construct brings about interesting avenues for cooperation among states in the region. Characterised by the intertwining geographies of the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, the Indo-Pacific region is home to some of the most diverse peoples and economies in the world. In a speech delivered at the CSIS, Washington in 2013, the former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegwa outlined the need for an "Indo-Pacific Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation". In efforts to continue to address the prospects and challenges for a treaty among the major powers in the Indo-Pacific region, the article argues that a treaty would be necessary step and but should be concluded when sufficient groundwork for it is concluded. The article also argues that, the Indo-pacific concept would be best addressed if there is increased institutionalization of the concept and increased cooperation among middle powers such as India, Indonesia and Australia.