Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Laos, emphasized the growing importance of India’s partnership with ASEAN. As conflicts rise globally, PM Modi underscored the need for stronger ties between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to shape a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
10-Point Plan to Strengthen India-ASEAN Ties
Modi unveiled a comprehensive 10-point plan aimed at enhancing collaboration across key sectors, including trade, tourism, cybersecurity, and healthcare. The initiatives will deepen cooperation between India and ASEAN, focusing on people-centric activities such as a youth summit, start-up festival, and women scientists’ conclave.
Additionally, the plan includes doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and introducing new scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian agricultural universities.
ASEAN-India Trade and Economic Growth
Over the last decade, trade between India and ASEAN has nearly doubled to $130 billion, making the bloc one of India’s largest trading partners. PM Modi called for the swift review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to unlock further economic potential between the two regions.
Cooperation on Security and Maritime Stability
India and ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime exercises, and cybersecurity. The two sides also discussed the importance of upholding international law, particularly in the South China Sea, where China’s aggressive actions have heightened tensions.
Boosting Digital Transformation
The summit also focused on advancing digital transformation, with India and ASEAN pledging to collaborate in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Modi announced that India would initiate a regular ASEAN-India cyber policy dialogue to enhance digital resilience across the region.
Strategic Significance of India-ASEAN Relations
With China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi emphasized the need for India and ASEAN to work together to ensure peace, stability, and freedom of navigation. India has consistently called for a free, open, and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Conclusion
The India-ASEAN relationship is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Asia’s future. As global tensions continue to rise, the partnership between these peace-loving nations is more critical than ever. With a clear 10-point plan in place, India and ASEAN are poised to deepen their cooperation and build a stronger, more resilient region.