Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a 12-point proposal to expand cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The proposal includes areas such as connectivity, trade, and digital transformation. Modi emphasized the need for a rules-based post-COVID world order.
The proposals announced by Modi at the ASEAN-India summit in Indonesia include the establishment of a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor linking South East Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe. He also offered to share India’s digital public infrastructure stack with ASEAN partners.
The 12-point proposals also address collective action against terrorism, terror financing, and cyber-disinformation. Modi urged for raising issues faced by the Global South in multilateral fora.
During the summit, two joint statements were adopted on maritime cooperation and food security. In his address, Modi highlighted the importance of progress towards a free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the voice of the Global South.
ASEAN is considered influential in the region, and India, along with other countries like the US, China, Japan, and Australia, are its dialogue partners. Modi described ASEAN as the epicenter of growth and expressed India’s commitment to working closely with it.
Modi emphasized the need to build a rule-based post-COVID world order for human welfare. He reaffirmed that ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy and fully supports ASEAN centrality and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
The summit marked the first meeting between India and ASEAN since their ties were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year. Modi highlighted the continuous progress in their mutual cooperation despite global uncertainties.
The 12-point roadmap includes an ASEAN-India fund for the digital future, focusing on cooperation in digital transformation and financial connectivity. It also includes support for the Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
