The 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting was recently organized with the central theme as “Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future”. This meeting aimed at fostering the bond between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the domain of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). India elucidated upon its numerous reforms focused on promoting equitable competition and augmenting broadband and telecom connectivity. Additionally, the importance of digital transformation for sculpting an inclusive society, encouraging sustainable development and empowering citizens through digital mechanisms was extensively discussed. The India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 also received approval during the meeting. This plan includes initiatives for promoting capability building and knowledge sharing across areas such as Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity, IoT and AI in Next Generation Smart Cities, and ICTs role in employing digital health and security.
Exploring ASEAN Grouping
The ASEAN Grouping is a regional assembly that encourages economic, political, and security cooperation. It came into existence in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding nations of ASEAN including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The chairmanship of this grouping rotates annually following the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.
Delineating India’s Relations with ASEAN
The bond between India and ASEAN is multi-dimensional encapsulating political, economic, cultural, and security aspects. This bilateral relationship began flourishing with the onset of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ in the 1990s and further transitioned to the ‘Act East Policy’ in 2014. It aimed at boosting economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian countries. In 1992, India emerged as a Sectoral Partner of ASEAN, elevated to being a Dialogue Partner in 1996 and later a Summit-level Partner in 2002. The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) signed in 2009 came into effect on January 1, 2010. India also has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with multiple ASEAN region countries, promoting concessional trade and rise in investments.
India & ASEAN: Commemorating Friendship and Advances
In 2022, the ASEAN India Friendship Year was celebrated acknowledging the 30-year milestone of dialogue relations between ASEAN and India. The celebrations spotlighted the elevation of their Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Additionally, India offers financial assistance to ASEAN nations via channels such as the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund, and the ASEAN-India Green Fund.
Fostering Connectivity
India is actively implementing numerous connectivity initiatives to bridge gaps. These include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project. Plans for establishing a Maritime Transportation Agreement with ASEAN are in process along with the proposition for a railway connection extending from New Delhi, India to Hanoi, Vietnam.
An Overview of UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
The Prelims and Mains questions posed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in previous years have incorporated a wide array of topics related to ASEAN and India’s relationship with this grouping. A comprehensive understanding of the ASEAN grouping and its strategic importance can aid in responding effectively to these queries.