India’s National Statement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Your Majesty,

Excellencies,

Thank you all for your valuable insights and suggestions. We are committed to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN. I am confident that together we will continue to strive for human welfare, regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

We will continue to take steps to enhance not only physical connectivity but also economic, digital, cultural, and spiritual ties.

Friends,

In the context of this year’s ASEAN Summit theme, “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” I would like to share a few thoughts.

Today is the tenth day of the tenth month, so I would like to share ten suggestions.

First, to promote tourism between us, we could declare 2025 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.” For this initiative, India will commit USD 5 million.

Second, to commemorate a decade of India’s Act East Policy, we could organise a variety of events between India and ASEAN countries. By connecting our artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks etc., we can include initiatives such as a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, and Start-up Festival as part of this celebration.

Third, under the “India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund,” we could hold an annual Women Scientists’ Conclave.

Fourth, the number of Masters scholarships for students from ASEAN countries at the newly established Nalanda University will be increased twofold. Additionally, a new scholarship scheme for ASEAN students at India’s agricultural universities will also be launched starting this year.

Fifth, the review of the “ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement” should be completed by 2025. This will strengthen our economic relations and will help in creating a secure, resilient and reliable supply chain.

Sixth, for disaster resilience, USD 5 million will be allocated from the “ASEAN-India Fund.” India’s National Disaster Management Authority and the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre can work together in this area.

Seventh, to ensure Health Resilience, the ASEAN-India Health Ministers Meeting can be institutionalised. Furthermore, we invite two experts from each ASEAN country to attend India’s Annual National Cancer Grid ‘Vishwam Conference.’

Eighth, for digital and cyber resilience, a cyber policy dialogue between India and ASEAN can be institutionalised.

Ninth, to promote a Green Future, I propose organising workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and ASEAN countries.

And tenth, for climate resilience, I urge all of you to join our campaign, ” Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother).

I am confident that my ten ideas will gain your support. And our teams will collaborate to implement them.

Thank you very much.