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Vientiane, Lao PDR – , Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, marking his 11th appearance at the annual gathering of ASEAN leaders. Celebrating a decade of India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi highlighted the growing importance of ASEAN-India relations in shaping the future of Asia, calling the 21st century the “Asian century.”
During his address, PM Modi reiterated India’s steadfast support for ASEAN Unity, Centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the vibrancy of India’s Act East Policy, noting the doubling of India-ASEAN trade to over USD 130 billion in the past decade, the progress in fintech collaboration, and the enhancement of cultural heritage restoration projects across five ASEAN countries.
As part of his participation, the Prime Minister announced a 10-point plan that included celebrating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism with a USD 5 million fund, increasing scholarships for ASEAN students, enhancing disaster and health resilience, initiating a cyber policy dialogue, and inviting ASEAN leaders to join the “Plant a Tree for Mother” campaign for climate resilience.
The leaders also adopted two joint statements: one on strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and stability, and the other on advancing digital transformation. Prime Minister Modi thanked the leadership of Laos for successfully hosting the summit and looked forward to working with the Philippines as the new Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India relations.
