India and ASEAN Nations: A Century of Friendship and Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the 21st century being the century of India and ASEAN nations, highlighting the need for friendship and coordination among the nations at a time when parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions. The prime minister addressed the 21st India-ASEAN Summit, where he announced a 10-point action plan to strengthen ties with the region. The plan includes initiatives such as doubling scholarships at Nalanda University, enhancing disaster resilience, and launching a new Health Ministers' track.

Key Takeaways:

• The 21st century is considered the century of India and ASEAN nations, as emphasized by Prime Minister Modi.
• The INDIA-ASEAN friendship is crucial at a time of global conflicts and tensions.
• India's trade with ASEAN nations has nearly doubled to more than USD 130 billion over the past decade.
• A 10-point action plan was announced to strengthen ties with the region, including initiatives such as celebrating 2025 as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Tourism'.
• The plan includes doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and providing new scholarships for ASEAN students at Agricultural Universities in India.
• India will make available USD 5 million for disaster resilience and initiate a new Health Ministers' track to build health resilience.
• A regular mechanism of ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue will be established to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.

Statistics:

• India's trade with ASEAN nations has nearly doubled to more than USD 130 billion over the past decade.
• $5 million will be provided by India for joint activities during the 'ASEAN-India Year of Tourism' in 2025.
• USD 5 million will be made available by India for disaster resilience.
• 2025 has been declared as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Tourism'.

Sources:

• PTI, quoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his statement at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit.
• External Affairs Ministry statement, announcing the 10-point action plan to strengthen ties with the region.
• Hindustan Times article, detailing Prime Minister Modi's announcements and initiatives.