Ten Steps Forward: Modi’s Plan to Elevate India-ASEAN Collaboration

Speaking at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the 21st century as the century of India and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations. He also announced a 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN partnership . He said that the friendship between India and ASEAN is very important, especially during this time where various parts of the world are experiencing conflicts and tensions.

Speaking at the 21st India – ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on 10th October Thursday, Modi pointed out that the India-ASEAN trade has multiplied to over USD 130 billion in the past decade and  called for a review of the trade in goods agreement to unlock further more economic potential between the nations. “I believe that the 21st century – the Asian century – is the century of India and ASEAN nations,” Modi said addressing leaders from the ASEAN member countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Singapore.

Reflecting on ten years since he launched the Act East Policy, Modi emphasised the policy’s achievement in restoring India’s connections with ASEAN nations, providing new energy, direction and momentum to the historic relationship between India and ASEAN nations. “India-ASEAN friendship, dialogue, and cooperation are essential during this period of global unrest,” says Modi as mentioned in PTI.

“The India-ASEAN Summit was a productive one. We discussed how to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN. We look forward to deepening trade ties, cultural linkages and cooperation in technology, connectivity and other such sectors,” Modi shared on X after the summit.

What’s in the Plan?

A 10-point plan has been put forth to further enhance the partnership between India and ASEAN nations. This plan includes marking the year 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, increasing the number of scholarships at Nalanda University, and offering new grants for ASEAN students at Agricultural Universities in India. Prime Minister Modi also declared that the decade of Act East Policy will be celebrated through various people-centric activities such as the Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks, and Delhi Dialogue.

Additionally, Mr. Modi announced the organisation of the ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund. He also stated that India will allocate $5 million for enhancing disaster resilience and launch a new Health Ministers’ track to support Health Resilience.

Also Read | Tesla Robotaxi: Elon Musk Announces Steering Wheel-Free Cybercab at California Event

Furthermore, the Prime Minister revealed plans to establish a regular mechanism of ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue to strengthen digital and cyber resilience and to hold a workshop on Green Hydrogen.

Mr. Modi also extended an invitation to ASEAN leaders to participate in the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign aimed at fostering climate resilience.