The 21st ASEAN-India Summit, held on October 10, 2024, was a landmark event aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India. This summit took place against a backdrop of evolving regional dynamics, emphasizing cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and technology. The leaders of the ten ASEAN member states and India gathered to discuss pressing issues and chart a collaborative course for the future.
The ASEAN-India partnership has grown significantly since its inception in 1992, evolving from a dialogue relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This summit highlighted the importance of ASEAN as a critical partner for India in its “Act East” policy, which seeks to enhance economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
During the summit, leaders acknowledged the challenges posed by global uncertainties, including economic slowdowns, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. They underscored the need for a resilient and inclusive framework to navigate these challenges, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation.
One of the primary focuses of the summit was enhancing economic ties between ASEAN and India. The leaders discussed ways to boost trade and investment, aiming to increase the current bilateral trade volume significantly. The importance of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) was reiterated, with calls for removing trade barriers and improving connectivity.
Several leaders proposed initiatives to facilitate easier movement of goods and services, as well as people. This included exploring new trade agreements and leveraging digital technologies to enhance e-commerce and trade logistics.
Regional security was another critical agenda item. The leaders recognized the increasing threats posed by terrorism, cyber threats, and maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing.
During the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He characterized the 21st century as the “Asian century,” emphasizing the critical role of India-ASEAN ties in shaping the region’s future.
Highlighting the vibrancy of India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi noted that trade between India and ASEAN has doubled over the past decade, exceeding USD 130 billion. He pointed out that ASEAN has become one of India’s largest trade and investment partners, underscoring the significance of this relationship. The establishment of direct flight connectivity with seven ASEAN countries was also mentioned as a crucial step in enhancing people-to-people ties.
PM Modi spoke about the promising beginnings made in fintech collaboration, which aims to leverage technology for economic growth. He also highlighted significant progress in the restoration of shared cultural heritage across five ASEAN countries, reflecting a commitment to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, he urged the completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AITIGA) in a timely manner to unlock greater economic potential for both regions. The Prime Minister also emphasized the progress in the India-ASEAN knowledge partnership, particularly through scholarships provided to ASEAN youth at Nalanda University, fostering educational ties and nurturing future leaders.
Overall, PM Modi’s remarks reinforced the importance of India-ASEAN cooperation in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and cultural ties, laying the groundwork for a robust partnership in the years to come.
India’s role in regional security was emphasized, with leaders expressing appreciation for its contributions to peacekeeping missions and regional stability. Joint exercises and training programs were proposed to enhance interoperability among armed forces.
The summit also prioritized discussions on sustainable development, with a focus on climate change and environmental sustainability. Leaders acknowledged the need for collective action to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, including natural disasters and resource depletion.
In an increasingly digital world, the leaders recognized the potential for digital transformation to drive economic growth and enhance societal welfare. The summit focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth in the region.
Discussions included the establishment of collaborative platforms for startups and technology exchange. Leaders emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in the digital age, advocating for robust frameworks to protect citizens while fostering innovation.
The summit reaffirmed the significance of cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges as a foundation for a strong partnership. Leaders emphasized the need to enhance cultural diplomacy through programs promoting tourism, education, and cultural heritage.
The “ASEAN-India Cultural Exchange Year” was proposed to celebrate shared histories and promote mutual understanding. Educational partnerships, scholarship programs, and youth exchanges were discussed as ways to build bridges between the peoples of ASEAN and India.
The 21st ASEAN-India Summit concluded with the adoption of a joint statement outlining the key outcomes and commitments made by the leaders. The statement emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order and the need for cooperative mechanisms to address regional and global challenges.
