PM Modi Announces 10-Point Plan to Strengthen India-ASEAN Ties
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New Delhi, October 10, 2024 – In a significant move to bolster relationships within the Southeast Asian region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive 10-point plan aimed at enhancing ties between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a press conference held today.
Addressing the media, Modi emphasized the importance of India's Act East Policy, which has played a pivotal role over the past decade in rejuvenating the historic bonds shared between India and ASEAN member countries. "Our Act East Policy has infused new energy, direction, and momentum into our relationships, creating a framework for strengthened cooperation in various fields," he stated.
The 10-point plan includes initiatives designed to enhance economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and security cooperation among ASEAN nations. Key highlights of the plan include:
Enhanced Trade and Investment: Facilitating free trade agreements and encouraging joint ventures to boost economic growth.
Cultural Exchange Programs: Strengthening people-to-people ties through exchanges in education, arts, and tourism, fostering mutual understanding.
Sustainable Development Initiatives: Collaborating on environmental sustainability projects to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly practices.
Cybersecurity Cooperation: Establishing joint frameworks to address cybersecurity threats and enhance digital security across nations.
Defense Collaboration: Expanding defense ties through joint exercises, training programs, and defense technology sharing.
Transport Connectivity: Investing in infrastructure projects to improve physical connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.
Healthcare Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration in health technologies and medical research to improve healthcare outcomes.
Disaster Management Cooperation: Strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms for natural disasters through shared resources and knowledge.
People's Diplomacy: Promoting dialogue among youth and community leaders to build grassroots connections.
Innovation and Technology Exchange: Encouraging collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Modi expressed his vision of making India a key partner in the ASEAN agenda, reiterating that the region’s stability and prosperity are essential for India’s own growth.
As India seeks to deepen its engagement with Southeast Asia, the inaugural eight leaders’ summit under this new initiative is scheduled for early next year, where these strategies will be further discussed and formalized.
The announcement has been met with positive responses across ASEAN nations, signaling a promising future for collaboration and partnership in the region.
