ASEAN INDIA SUMMIT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Laos on October 10-11, 2024, for the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, highlighted India’s “Act East” policy and its strategic engagement with ASEAN nations.
This engagement has evolved since the adoption of the “Look East” policy in 1992.
BACKGROUND
- Look East Policy (1992): Initiated gradual engagement (cultural & economic) with ASEAN countries.
- Act East Policy (2014): Enhanced focus on strategic partnerships (along with cultural & economic) and regional cooperation.(along with East Asia & Australia-NZ)
- Recent Developments: Adoption of two Joint Statements to strengthen digital transformation and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, laying groundwork for future ASEAN-India collaboration.
ABOUT ASEAN
- Full Name: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Purpose: A regional organization focused on promoting political and economic cooperation among member states.
Establishment
- Date: Founded on 8 August 1967
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Key Event: Signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the foreign ministers of five countries, marking the beginning of regional cooperation.
MEMBERSHIP
Founding Members
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
Expansion of Membership
- Growth: Expanded from 5 to 10 members:
- Brunei Darussalam (joined in 1984)
- Viet Nam (joined in 1995)
- Lao PDR and Myanmar (joined in 1997)
- Cambodia (joined in 1999)
THE ASEAN JOURNEY
- Significance: The signing of the ASEAN Declaration was a crucial step in promoting
- Founding Fathers:
- Adam Malik (Indonesia)
- Narciso Ramos (Philippines)
- Tun Abdul Razak (Malaysia)
- Rajaratnam (Singapore)
- Thanat Khoman (Thailand)
- Role: They are recognized for establishing a platform for dialogue and collaboration in the region.
KEY BODIES
- ASEAN Summit:
- Description: The highest decision-making body.
- Composition: Heads of state or government of member countries.
- Frequency: Held twice a year; first summit was in Bali, Indonesia (February 1976).
- Purpose: Discuss regional issues, enhance political cooperation, and set future agendas.
- ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC):
- Established: In 2008.
- Composition: Foreign ministers of member states.
- Frequency: Meets at least twice a year.
- Function: Prepares for the ASEAN Summit and coordinates initiatives across various sectors (economic, political, cultural).
MOTTO & IMPORTANCE OF ASEAN
Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
Importance of ASEAN
- Regional Stability: Vital in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia, facilitating dialogue to resolve conflicts.
- Economic Cooperation: Promotes trade and economic collaboration among member states for growth and development.
- Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural understanding and cooperation, enriching the region’s diverse cultural landscape.
THE 10 POINT PLAN
In alignment with the summit theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” PM Modi
announced a 10-point plan:
- 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism: India will allocate USD 5 million for joint tourism activities.
- Celebrating a Decade of Act East Policy: Various people-centric activities will include a Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and establishment of an ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks.
- Scholarship Initiatives: Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and introducing new scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian agriculture universities.
- Women Scientist Conclave: Organized under the India-ASEAN S&T Fund to promote women’s contributions in science and technology.
- Trade Agreement Review: A commitment to expedite the review and conclusion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
- Disaster Resilience Funding: Allocation of USD 5 million from the India-ASEAN Fund for disaster resilience initiatives.
- Health Security Meetings: Institutionalizing health ministers’ meetings to enhance health security cooperation.
- Digital and Cyber Policy Dialogue: Establishing a dialogue to promote collaboration on digital and cyber policies.
- Green Initiatives: Regular workshops and exchanges on environmental sustainability, including the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign.
- Climate Resilience Support: Initiatives to enhance climate resilience and environmental cooperation.
THE INDO PACIFIC VISION
PM Modi emphasized an inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, focusing on:
- Unity and Centrality of ASEAN: ASEAN’s pivotal role in India’s Indo-Pacific vision and its cooperation with Quad nations.
- Freedom of Navigation: Advocating for adherence to 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maritime security.
- Inclusivity: Highlighting the need to engage Myanmar to support its transition to democracy and emphasizing the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, with potential extensions to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
- Trade Growth: PM Modi highlighted that trade between India and ASEAN has nearly doubled in the past decade, surpassing USD 130 billion, indicating strong economic ties and mutual benefits.
- Emerging Technologies: Agreement to cooperate on technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and others, fostering a robust startup ecosystem and enhancing digital connectivity.
BILATERAL MEETINGS
During the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Laotian Prime Minister, focusing on:
- India-Laos Cooperation: Expanding cooperation through new MoUs in development partnership, capacity building, disaster management, renewable energy, and heritage restoration.
- Historic Ties: Highlighting India’s assistance in the restoration of Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
KEY OUTCOMES
- MoUs and Agreements: Several agreements were signed in defense, broadcasting, customs cooperation, and Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) related to cultural heritage.
- QIPs: Included preservation of Lao Ramayan heritage, restoration of Buddhist temples, and support for shadow puppetry, each funded by Indian government grants of about USD 50,000.
- Nutrition Security Grant: India will provide USD 1 million to improve nutrition security in Laos, marking the India-UN Development Partnership Fund’s first project in Southeast Asia.
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