PM Modi Presents 12-Point Plan to Strengthen India-ASEAN Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put forth a comprehensive 12-point proposal aimed at bolstering India-ASEAN collaboration. Addressing various aspects, including digital transformation, trade, and strategic partnership, the proposal also addresses contemporary challenges like terrorism.
During the 20th ASEAN-India Summit held in the Indonesian capital, Prime Minister Modi engaged in extensive discussions with ASEAN partners to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He highlighted ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region and the alignment between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The prime minister emphasized the need for a timely review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA).
Under the proposal, India seeks to establish a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor linking South-East Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe. India also offered to share its Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners.
Prime Minister Modi announced the ASEAN-India fund for the digital future, focusing on digital transformation and financial connectivity. Additionally, he called for collective action against terrorism, terror financing, and cyber-disinformation.
The proposal includes support for the Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and collective representation of Global South issues in multilateral forums.
The prime minister invited ASEAN countries to join the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine and collaborate on Mission LiFE, a global movement for environmental protection. He also offered to share India’s experience in providing affordable and quality medicines through Jan-Aushadhi Kendras.
India invited ASEAN countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and collaborate on disaster management. Enhanced cooperation on maritime safety, security, and domain awareness was also emphasized.
In addition to the summit, India reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific during the 18th East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s commitment to the Quad’s vision, emphasizing cooperation to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and resilient supply chains.
The leaders also discussed regional and international issues during the meetings.
