PM Modi Emphasises Stronger India-ASEAN Ties Amid Global Conflicts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday, highlighting the significance of the friendship between India and ASEAN nations in the context of ongoing global conflicts.

He described the 21st century as the era of India and ASEAN, emphasizing the need for collaboration at a time when various parts of the world are experiencing tensions and conflicts.

Photo Credit: PTI

At the summit held in Vientiane, Laos, PM Modi referred to ASEAN countries as vital neighbors and partners in the Global South. He expressed the shared commitment of these peace-loving nations to respect each other's national integrity and sovereignty, while also striving for a brighter future for the region's youth.

Recalling his announcement of the Act East Policy a decade ago, Modi stated that this initiative has infused new energy, direction, and momentum into the long-standing ties between India and ASEAN nations. He underscored the importance of friendship, coordination, and cooperation during these challenging times, stating, "India-ASEAN friendship, coordination dialogue, and cooperation is very important at a time when several parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions."

Strengthening Economic Ties

Highlighting the economic relationship between India and ASEAN, PM Modi noted that trade between India and ASEAN countries has nearly doubled to over $130 billion in the past decade. He also discussed the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives introduced in 2019 and announced the initiation of maritime exercises aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.

Action Plan for Enhanced Collaboration

During the summit, PM Modi unveiled a 10-point action plan designed to strengthen ties with the ASEAN region. A key highlight was the announcement that 2025 will be celebrated as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing $5 million to support joint activities.

Additionally, he announced plans to commemorate a decade of the Act East Policy through various people-centric initiatives, including a Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks, and the Delhi Dialogue. The plan also includes organizing the ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.

To further support education, PM Modi proposed doubling the number of scholarships available at Nalanda University and introducing new scholarships for ASEAN students at Agricultural Universities in India. He called for a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.

Focus on Resilience and Sustainability

In his address, PM Modi emphasized enhancing disaster resilience, pledging an additional $5 million from India for related initiatives. He announced the establishment of a new Health Ministers' track aimed at building health resilience, a regular mechanism for an ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue to strengthen digital and cyber resilience, and a workshop on Green Hydrogen.

He also invited ASEAN leaders to participate in the 'Plant a Tree for Mother' campaign, aimed at fostering climate resilience in the region.