Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening India-ASEAN relations in the face of rising global tensions, during his address at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit on Thursday. Calling the 21st century the “century of India and ASEAN nations,” PM Modi highlighted the significance of their friendship and cooperation amid ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world.
“India-ASEAN friendship, coordination, dialogue, and cooperation is vital at a time when several parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions,” the Prime Minister said, as quoted by PTI. He further pointed out that India’s “Act East Policy,” launched a decade ago, has added fresh energy and direction to the historic ties between India and ASEAN, accelerating mutual growth and collaboration.
Addressing the importance of peace in the region, PM Modi described ASEAN nations as India’s “neighbors and partners in the Global South.” He reaffirmed their shared values of respecting national integrity, sovereignty, and working towards a brighter future for the youth of the region.
The Prime Minister also spotlighted the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative launched in 2019. “Last year, maritime exercises were initiated for regional security and stability,” he noted, underscoring India’s increasing trade with ASEAN, which has nearly doubled to over $130 billion in the last decade.
At the summit, PM Modi unveiled a 10-point action plan to enhance India-ASEAN ties, with a strong focus on people-centric initiatives. A significant announcement was the declaration of 2025 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Tourism,’ for which India has pledged $5 million towards joint activities. The plan also includes initiatives such as the ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, youth-centric programs like the Youth Summit, and celebrations marking a decade of the Act East Policy through the ASEAN-India Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and other events.
The Prime Minister also announced a significant increase in educational opportunities for ASEAN students, including a doubling of scholarships at Nalanda University and new scholarships at Indian agricultural universities. He further called for a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to foster stronger economic ties.
In addition to education and trade, PM Modi announced measures aimed at enhancing disaster resilience, digital and cyber resilience, and health collaboration. India will provide $5 million to boost disaster resilience and initiate a new Health Ministers’ track for building health resilience. A regular ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue and a workshop on green hydrogen were also among the key initiatives proposed to ensure a robust and forward-looking partnership between India and ASEAN.
PM Modi’s action plan reflects India’s commitment to deepening its ties with ASEAN nations and ensuring the region’s stability and prosperity, especially in the face of global uncertainties.