New ASEAN-India plan of action adopted to foster partnership in several fields

New Delhi, Oct 10: The 21 ASEAN-India Summit, was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on Thursday. The summit marked a big step forward in the evolving relationship between India and the ASEAN.

The summit was an opportunity for leaders from both sides to review the progress of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the course for future cooperation. One of the major outcomes was the adoption of a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030), that projects to bring vital partnership in several fields.

India’s Act East Policy and ASEAN Partnership

India’s "Act East" Policy, is one of the foundation of its foreign relations strategy. It was launched in 2014 to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries and advance regional cooperation in trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

Since a decade, this policy has brought India and ASEAN closer together, with trade between the two increasing to over USD 130 billion and partnerships and people-to-people connections expanding into several sectors from security to IT, from business to culture and from maritime security to connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while attending the meeting in his address at the summit highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality in ensuring regional stability.  He said, "The 21st century is the Asian century," emphasising that the close ties between India and ASEAN would be critical in shaping Asia's future. Modi also highlighted India's commitment to completing the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025, to unlock further economic potential for the benefit of both regions.

10-Point Plan to Enhance ASEAN-India Cooperation.

Modi suggested a 10-Point Plan to Enhance ASEAN-India Cooperation.

Modi suggested celebrating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India pledging USD 5 million for joint activities aimed at boosting tourism between the two regions.

He said that the year 2025 will also be marked by a series of people-centric activities designed to celebrate a decade of the Act East Policy. These include events such as a Youth Summit, a Start-up Festival, a Hackathon, and a Music Festival, as well as initiatives like the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks and the Delhi Dialogue, all aimed at fostering deeper connections between people and businesses.

Modi in education development and exchange announced plans to double the number of scholarships offered at Nalanda University, as well as new scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian agricultural universities.

The ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave will also be organised under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund, reflecting the growing focus on women’s empowerment and scientific collaboration.

On trade, Modi called for a timely review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, emphasising the importance of enhancing economic ties. ASEAN is already one of India’s largest trade and investment partners, and leaders from both sides agreed that there is much more potential to be tapped.

The plan also includes a focus on health resilience, disaster management, and digital transformation, all of which have become critical areas of collaboration in the post-pandemic world. Modi announced that India would make available USD 5 million for disaster resilience initiatives and proposed the establishment of a regular mechanism for ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue to enhance cooperation on digital and cyber resilience.

Two key joint statements were also adopted: the Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region, and the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation. Both documents reflect a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, with India playing a critical role through its "Act East" policy.

Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership highlights the pivotal role that India’s Act East Policy has played in advancing the partnership. Leaders on both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and ASEAN unity was reaffirmed as essential for regional stability.

ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation: The second document reflects the growing importance of digital technologies in the bilateral relationship. Leaders recognized India’s leadership in digital transformation and welcomed the opportunity to partner with India in developing digital public infrastructure, a move that will benefit both regions by fostering innovation and enhancing economic growth.

India’s advancements in fintech, digital payments, and public service delivery were particularly noted, with ASEAN leaders expressing interest in learning from India's experience in these areas. This partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for collaboration in the digital space.

Cultural and Historical Ties: Strengthening Bonds

As Modi arrived in Laos, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional blessing ceremony conducted by senior Buddhist monks, a gesture symbolising the deep cultural and religious ties between India and Laos. The bonds between the two countries date back over two millennia to the time of Emperor Ashoka, whose emissaries brought Buddhism to Laos. Iconic landmarks such as the Pha That Luang in Vientiane are lasting reminders of this shared heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan - called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram - performed by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, and the epic reflects the shared heritage and age-old civilisation connection between the two countries.

Several facets of Indian culture and tradition have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. The two countries are closely working to illuminate their shared heritage. The Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoring the Vat Phou temple and related monuments in Laos. Several dignitaries, including Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Governor of Bank of Lao PDR and Mayor of Vientiane were present on the occasion.

Cultural and historical ties have long played a central role in India’s relations with Southeast Asia, and they continue to shape modern diplomacy. The fusion of Indian and Lao artistic styles, as seen in religious monuments and art across the region, reflects the enduring influence of India’s cultural legacy.