Committed To Strengthening Strategic Partnership Between India & Asean: PM
The Prime Minister states that 2025 could be declared as the Asean-India year of tourism to promote tourism
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Highlighting the need to continue to strive for human welfare, regional peace, stability and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he was committed to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) at the 21st Asean-India summit.
He stated, “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.”
Sharing his suggestions during his address, the PM said that 2025 could be declared as the Asean-India year of tourism to promote tourism between the two. He noted that India will commit USD 5 million for this initiative.
To commemorate a decade of India’s Act East Policy, the PM suggested that a variety of events could be organised 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,” he added.
The PM pointed out that 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.
For disaster resilience, the PM said that 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.
As far as ensuring health resilience is concerned, Modi said, “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.”
The Prime Minister proposed organising workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and Asean countries and for climate resilience, the PM urged the members to join the campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant for Mother).
