The IGC recently sat down (virtually) with Aishwarya Singh to discuss topics of sustainable tourism and maritime opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. Read our conversation below:
1. What stimulated your interest in the blue economy and maritime tourism?
I was always an inquisitive kid; I challenged the normal and I believe that trait landed me in doing research about something unusual. I’m also a foreign policy and international relations enthusiast too; I read a lot on strategic and geopolitical affairs in the Indo-Pacific. Climate change is not a future phenomenon, it’s happening now and is the biggest challenge of our century; I wanted to find a model of sustainable development for oceans which led me to the “Blue Economy” concept.
2. What is the Vibrant Villages Programme and how is it fostering inclusive tourism?
The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is an ambitious project of the Government of India, aimed at the comprehensive development of India’s First Villages. These villages span across four Indian states and one in the Union Territory, namely – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
The programme covers a total of 2963 villages, out of which 662 will be developed in the first phase. The focus is to preserve the indigenous cultural heritage, creating economic imperatives for the locals, mitigate migration from these villages, improve connectivity and infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism, thus making these villages truly vibrant.
The main goal of the VVP is to foster inclusion and ensure that no one is left behind from the Government’s policies and development agenda.
3. How are geopolitical events shaping the development in the Indo-Pacific region?
The Indo-Pacific and Asia-Pacific, as it was earlier known, illustrates a shift to a multipolar world order. The housing of some of the most populous and economically dynamic states in this region highlights its importance on the global stage and, in turn, growing interests of major powers in the region.
India is seen as a rising power and plays a critical role in the geopolitics of the region; events that happen in the region undoubtedly impact India’s domestic developments. Being the fifth largest economy, with much of its trade being done via sea, makes India more vulnerable to maritime trade disruptions.
Collaboration between the countries in the Indo-Pacific, and those further away, is crucial to ensure it remains prosperous and secure.
4. How did India’s G20 Presidency change/advance its prospects for development in the region?
India’s G20 Presidency is being widely discussed as a remarkable feat in the history of the G20. It was able to be ambitious, inclusive, decisive and action-oriented.
India’s efforts in including the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and being seen as a voice of the “Global South” has put a certain responsibility on the country, domestically and internationally. Throughout its G20 Presidency, India used the multilateral forum to discuss current challenges and to collaborate on solutions; notably under its motto “The World is One Family”.
5. How can, if at all, Indo-German relations shape initiatives to address challenges of climate change and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific?
Europe’s increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific is an example of the changing diplomatic horizons in the maritime domain and international relations. Germany has always been a crucial partner for India, and in enhancing their bilateral ties, challenges of climate change and maritime security in the region can surely be addressed.
6. Do you have any resource recommendations for readers to gain more insights?
Aishwarya has written a wealth of resources on the topic, available here:
- Indian Ocean Region and its Blue Economy Imperatives (Commentary)
- India’s G20 Presidency (Commentary)
- Decoding the Indo-Pacific and the QUAD Factor for India’s Blue Diplomacy (Commentary)
- Blue Flag Beaches in India (Commentary)
- Envisioning the Blue Economy and Maritime Tourism as soft power instruments for India’s positioning in the Indo-Pacific (Article)
- A Systematic review on the Benefits and Challenges of Maritime Tourism (Journal Article)
7. What’s your favourite place to visit in India? What makes it so special to you?
What makes India stands out is its diverse offerings in both physical and human geography. I love the majestic Himalayas when I visit North, the desert in the West, the biodiversity of the Eastern coast, and the Southern blue coastlines. Let’s also not forget the architectural marvels of the central Indian plains.
As a researcher in the maritime domain, I have a fond memory of visiting Rameshwaram (an island town) in Tamil Nadu. Visiting Dhanush Kodi, which is the southernmost tip of India was also breathtaking; the Pamban Bridge which connects this town to the mainland is an engineering marvel.
Aishwarya Singh is an Assistant Manager within the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Cell of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Tourism Management (Maritime Tourism) and has notable interests in the blue economy and maritime tourism; as well as geopolitics within the Indo-Pacific region.
