21st ASEAN-India Summit

Context

• The Prime Minister and ASEAN leaders reviewed how the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has progressed so far and discussed plans for future cooperation in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Why in the News?

Recently, 21st ASEAN-India Summit was held in Vientiane, Laos. It mainly focus on strengthening India-ASEAN relations through dialogue and cooperation.

1. ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025): India to contribute USD 5 million towards joint activities.

2. Celebration of a Decade of Act East Policy: Activities include Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and Delhi Dialogue.

3. Women Scientists Conclave:  Organize the conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.

4. Increased Scholarships for ASEAN Students: Double scholarships at Nalanda University and new scholarships at Agricultural Universities in India.

5. Review of Trade in Goods Agreement: Set for completion by 2025 to enhance trade relations.

6. Disaster Resilience: India to provide USD 5 million to support resilience initiatives.

7. Health Ministers’ Track: Initiate a new mechanism to enhance health resilience.

8. ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue: Establish regular dialogues to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.

9. Green Hydrogen Workshop:  Workshop to explore green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

10. ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ Campaign: Invite ASEAN leaders to join the campaign for climate resilience.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

– About: It is a political and economic organization aimed primarily at promoting economic growth and regional stability among its members.
– Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
– History: It was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 
a. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.
– ASEAN Summit: It is the highest policy-making body in ASEAN comprising the Head of States or Government of ASEAN Member States.Summit is held twice annually.
a. The First ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia in 1976.

Significance of ASEAN for India

• Counter China’s Influence: ASEAN’s strategic location makes it a critical partner for balancing China’s growing influence in the region.
• Trade and Investment: In 2021-2022, trade between India and ASEAN stood at around $110 billion. ASEAN countries are also a significant destination for Indian investments.
• Indo-Pacific Region: ASEAN is central to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to promote a free, open, and rules-based order in the region. 
• India’s Act East Policy places ASEAN at its core to enhance connectivity, maritime cooperation, and economic engagement.
• Counter-Terrorism: India collaborates with ASEAN on counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and cybersecurity initiatives. These efforts are crucial in maintaining regional security.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure: Initiatives such as the India  -Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project aim to improve physical connectivity between India and ASEAN, promoting trade and economic integration.
• ASEAN-led Mechanisms: India is part of key ASEAN-led platforms like the;
  • East Asia Summit (EAS), 
  • ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and 
  • ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), which are vital for fostering regional dialogue on strategic issues.

21st ASEAN-India Summit

Way Forward –

• The Summit represents a milestone in ASEAN-India relations, with both sides reaffirming their strategic and economic importance to one another. 
• India’s sustained engagement with ASEAN, through its Act East Policy, will continue to shape the regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with ASEAN’s Outlook and the broader goals of regional stability and prosperity.

#21stASEANIndiaSummit

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims

What is the primary goal of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area?

A) To eliminate tariffs between member countries

B) To promote cultural exchanges

C) To enhance military cooperation

D) To increase tourism between countries

Ans- A) To eliminate tariffs between member countries

CBL Mains Practice Question

Discuss the potential for cultural diplomacy between India and ASEAN countries post the 21st Summit . How can cultural exchanges contribute to deeper ties?

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