NEW DELHI: India and the 10-country ASEAN bloc agreed on Thursday to collaborate on digital public infrastructure, with plans to establish a fund for a ‘digital future’ and review existing trade agreements. A joint statement after the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Laos also emphasised securing rights in the South China Sea.
India and ASEAN will share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in digital development, implementation, and governance. Cross-border payment systems between ASEAN and India will be explored through digital solutions. Ministerial-level meetings are planned to address related issues.
PM Narendra Modi highlighted that India’s ‘Act East’ policy, launched 10 years ago, has revitalised historic ties with ASEAN countries. He noted that India-ASEAN trade has doubled in the past decade, surpassing $130 billion. Modi reiterated India’s support for ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific outlook, saying, “India-ASEAN ties are critical to guiding Asia’s future.”
Modi announced a 10-point plan focused on people-centric activities, including a youth summit, startup festival, digital hackathon, music festival and the ASEAN-India network of think tanks. India also proposed an ASEAN-India women scientists’ conclave and the doubling of scholarships at Nalanda University, with new scholarships for ASEAN students at Indian agricultural universities.
The joint statement supported the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ruling and anticipated an early conclusion to the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. Six countries the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are discussing a COC to resolve maritime boundary disputes. China, however, rejects the UN’s demarcation ruling and claims the entire South China Sea.
Holds bilaterals with Japan, New Zealand counterparts PM Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Japan and New Zealand on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos. During his meeting with Japanese PM Ishiba, Modi congratulated him on his new role. “India will continue to accord the highest priority to its ties with Japan, a trusted friend and strategic partner,” stated the MEA.
Modi also met New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon. The two leaders discussed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, such as trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, education, dairy, agri-tech, sports, tourism, space and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi witnessed a performance of the Lao Ramayan, known as Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram, by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Archaeological Survey of India is currently restoring the Vat Phou temple and related monuments in Laos.