Vientiane: India and ASEAN countries have underscored the pivotal role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in accelerating digital transformation and fostering inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation. During the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, both regions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on bridging digital divides and enhancing sustainable development across the region.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, ASEAN nations commended India’s support for the “ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025,” acknowledging initiatives like the ASEAN-India Digital Works. These efforts involve knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Software Development and Training in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Both regions expressed mutual interest in collaboration on DPI, financial technology (FinTech), cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable financing. The partnership seeks to leverage DPI across various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action. Moreover, a focus on FinTech innovations is expected to drive cross-border linkages between payment systems in ASEAN and India, further deepening economic integration.
The summit also highlighted expanding cybersecurity cooperation, with the ASEAN India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue being welcomed to strengthen digital economy initiatives. Collaboration on AI was discussed, particularly in terms of building knowledge, skills, infrastructure, and risk management frameworks to harness AI advancements effectively and responsibly.
To facilitate digital transformation, both parties will continue regular exchanges through the ASEAN India Digital Ministers’ Meeting, workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programs aimed at fostering knowledge sharing and cooperation in the digital domain.
PM Modi’s 10-Point Plan to Enhance ASEAN-India Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the summit, unveiled a 10-point plan designed to enhance connectivity and resilience within the ASEAN-India partnership. Key highlights include celebrating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India pledging USD 5 million towards joint activities. The plan also marks a decade of the Act East Policy with various people-centric initiatives such as youth summits, start-up festivals, and music events.
Proposed ten suggestions which will further deepen India’s friendship with ASEAN. pic.twitter.com/atAOAq6vrq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2024
The prime minister also proposed doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and providing additional scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian agricultural universities. The plan outlines efforts to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 and allocate USD 5 million to enhance disaster resilience.
PM Modi also announced the launch of a regular ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue to bolster digital and cyber resilience. Other notable aspects include a workshop on green hydrogen and inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in the “Plant a Tree for Mother” campaign, aimed at promoting climate resilience.
Bilateral Meetings on the Summit Sidelines
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Modi met Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, recognizing the indispensable partnership between India and Japan.
PM Modi also held his first meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Both leaders expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations in the future.
