At the 21st ASEAN summit in Laos, PM Narendra Modi unveiled a 10-point blueprint to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations, which includes people-centric initiatives such as the Youth Summit and Start-up Festival. The plan further proposes the terms to increase the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and invites the decision-makers of ASEAN nations to join the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother‘ campaign.
According to PM Modi’s Twitter (Now X) post, “The India-ASEAN Summit was 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.” The Post further mentioned, “Proposed ten suggestions which will further deepen India’s friendship with ASEAN.”
Here Is The Narendra Modi’s 10-Point Plan
- Designating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing USD 5 million to support joint initiatives.
- Commemorating a decade of the Act East Policy through various community-focused events, including a youth summit, start-up festival, hackathon, and music festival. Also, further developing the ASEAN-India think tank network and the Delhi Dialogue.
- Hosting an ASEAN-India women scientists’ conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
- Doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and introducing new scholarships for ASEAN students at India’s Agricultural Universities.
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- Conducting a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
- Enhancing disaster preparedness with an additional USD 5 million contribution from India.
- Launching a new track for ASEAN-India health ministers focused on building health resilience.
- Establishing a regular ASEAN-India cyber policy dialogue to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.
- Organising a workshop on green hydrogen initiatives.
- Inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in the “Plant a Tree for Mother” campaign to promote climate resilience.
