Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist diplomatist vol-7 Issue -9 sep 2019 | Page 6

PACIFIC ALLIANCE AN ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP WILL HELP INDIA BY HUMA SIDDIQUI* A n economic partnership with the Pacifi c Alliance (Alianza del Pacifi co) – a grouping of Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Colombia will benefi t both India and the alliance. The Pacifi c Alliance countries are keen to explore engagement with groupings like ASEAN, with the aim of deepening cooperation which will help in facilitating trade and investments fl ows between the respective regions. The main objective of the alliance is to allow free fl ow of goods, services, capital, and people as well as promote competitiveness, growth and social inclusion. Presently, Chile is getting the rotating Pro Tempore Presidency of the Alliance and it is expected that under its presidency it will complement India’s Indo-Pacifi c construct. And, since India is seeking to extend its Indo- Pacifi c construct from Eastern Africa to the Pacifi c, the Pacifi c Alliance (PA) could provide an appropriate platform. Despite the distance, India’s relationship with the region and member countries has witnessed marked improvement. India enjoys observer status at the annual summit and has always been represented by its envoy. India became an Observer member in 2014. 6 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 9 • September 2019, Noida