Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a 12-point plan to help cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in different fields, going from connectivity and trade to digital transformation and counter-terrorism. He made the announcement at the twentieth ASEAN-India Culmination in Jakarta, where he reaffirmed ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the synergies between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Point of view toward the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

The 12-point plan covers the accompanying areas:

– Connectivity: Modi proposed to establish a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor that joins South-East Asia, India, West Asia and Europe. He likewise emphasized the need to complete the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) in a time-bound manner.

– Digital transformation: Modi offered to share India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners, which includes Aadhaar, UPI, e-RUPI and CoWIN platforms. He likewise announced the ASEAN-India fund for the digital future, zeroing in on cooperation in digital transformation and monetary connectivity.

– Trade and economic engagement: Modi called for enhancing trade and investment streams between India and ASEAN, especially in sectors, for example, renewable energy, health care, education, tourism and agriculture. He additionally urged for greater collaboration in innovation and start-ups.

– Addressing contemporary challenges: Modi stressed the need for a collective battle against terrorism, terror financing and cyber-disinformation. He likewise expressed fortitude with ASEAN countries in their efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impact. He announced that India will provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to ASEAN countries under its Vaccine Maitri initiative.

– People-to-people contacts: Modi highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and civilizational ties between India and ASEAN, what share a rich and diverse heritage. He proposed to enhance exchanges in areas like education, youth, sports, media, tourism and Buddhism. He additionally welcomed the adoption of the joint statement on food security at the culmination.

– Deepening strategic engagement: Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to help ASEAN’s unity and centrality in regional undertakings. He likewise called for building a rules-based post-COVID world order that respects sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. He expressed help for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He likewise welcomed the adoption of the joint statement on maritime cooperation at the highest point.

The 12-point plan reflects India’s vision of a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN that covers all aspects of mutual interest and benefit. It likewise demonstrates India’s willingness to work with ASEAN to shape a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.