Strengthening Ties: Modi’s 10-Point Plan for India-ASEAN Cooperation
In a world rife with conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, stands as a beacon of hope for dialogue and cooperation among nations. Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty and integrity, Modi unveiled a comprehensive 10-point plan aimed at enhancing relations between India and the ASEAN nations. This initiative not only marks a decade of India’s Act East policy but also seeks to foster peace and prosperity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Context of Cooperation
The backdrop of Modi’s announcement is significant. With rising tensions in various regions, including the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea, the Prime Minister underscored the necessity of friendship, coordination, and dialogue among peace-loving nations. "We are neighbours, partners in the Global South, and a rapidly growing region in the world," he stated, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is essential for stability and growth.
The 10-Point Plan
Modi’s 10-point plan is a multifaceted approach designed to deepen ties between India and ASEAN. Here are the key components:
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ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue: Establishing a framework for dialogue to enhance digital and cyber resilience.
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2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism: India will allocate $5 million towards joint tourism activities, promoting cultural exchange and economic growth.
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Educational Initiatives: Doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and introducing new scholarships for ASEAN students at agricultural universities in India.
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Trade Review: A commitment to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to ensure mutual benefits.
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Disaster Resilience: India will contribute $5 million to enhance disaster resilience in the region.
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Health Ministers’ Track: Initiating a new dialogue to build health resilience among ASEAN nations.
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Green Initiatives: Workshops on Green Hydrogen and inviting ASEAN leaders to join the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign to promote climate resilience.
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Women Scientists Conclave: Organizing a conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund to empower women in science.
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Cultural and Youth Engagement: Celebrating a decade of the Act East Policy through various people-centric activities, including a Youth Summit and a Start-up Festival.
- Emerging Technologies Cooperation: Collaborating on technologies such as AI, Blockchain, IoT, and Quantum Computing to strengthen the digital economy.
Meeting with Japan’s New Prime Minister
In addition to his engagements with ASEAN leaders, Modi also met with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Their discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, and defense. Modi expressed optimism about the future of India-Japan relations, highlighting the importance of cultural linkages as a foundation for stronger ties.
Addressing Regional Tensions
Modi’s address also touched upon the ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint statement issued during the summit emphasized the need for peace, stability, and security in maritime domains. It reaffirmed the commitment to uphold international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes.
A Vision for the Future
The Prime Minister’s vision for the 21st century as the "Asian century" reflects a broader aspiration for India and ASEAN nations to emerge as key players on the global stage. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, Modi aims to create a robust framework that not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for future growth and collaboration.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-point plan is a significant step towards strengthening India-ASEAN relations in an increasingly complex world. By focusing on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, this initiative aims to build a resilient partnership that can navigate the challenges of the 21st century. As India and ASEAN nations work together, they not only enhance their own prospects but also contribute to a more stable and prosperous global community.