PM Modi Unveils 10-Point Plan to Boost ASEAN-India Ties at Regional Summit
Vientiane: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday introduced a comprehensive 10-point plan to strengthen ties between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit held in Laos.
The strategic blueprint focuses on enhancing connectivity and resilience through physical, digital, cultural, and economic collaborations.
During the summit, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the Act East Policy, which completed a decade this year, in revitalizing the historic relations between New Delhi and ASEAN countries. He reiterated India’s commitment to fostering a deeper partnership with the bloc amidst ongoing global challenges and conflicts.
“We are peace-loving nations and respect each other’s national integrity and sovereignty. We are committed to creating a bright future for our youth, and I believe that the 21st century will be the century of India and ASEAN,” PM Modi said at the summit.
Key Highlights of the 10-Point Plan
- Celebration of ASEAN-India Year of Tourism in 2025
India will allocate $5 million to promote joint tourism initiatives and activities. - Marking 10 Years of Act East Policy
Several people-centric events such as a Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks will be organized to commemorate the milestone. - Support for Science and Technology
An ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave will be held under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund to encourage collaboration in research and innovation. - Scholarship Expansion
The number of scholarships at Nalanda University will be doubled, along with the introduction of new scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian Agricultural Universities. - Review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement
A review of the trade agreement between ASEAN and India will be conducted by 2025 to enhance economic cooperation and trade ties. - Enhancing Disaster Resilience
India will provide an additional $5 million to bolster disaster preparedness and resilience among ASEAN nations. - Health Resilience Initiative
A new Health Ministers’ track will be initiated to build health resilience and address common health challenges in the region. - Cyber and Digital Resilience
A regular ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue will be established to strengthen collaboration in digital security and cyber policy. - Workshop on Green Hydrogen
India will organize workshops focused on green hydrogen technology, contributing to the region’s transition to cleaner energy sources. - Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection
ASEAN leaders were invited to join India’s “Plant a Tree for Mother Earth” campaign, promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
PM Modi’s comprehensive 10-point plan aims to reinforce India’s strategic, economic, and cultural ties with ASEAN countries, fostering a future-oriented partnership that addresses the dynamic global challenges facing the region.
