The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also known as ASEAN, is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These nations are part of various essential international forums like the ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN), the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
The ADGMIN and the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022
ADGMIN is an annual meeting of telecom ministers from ASEAN countries and dialogue partner countries including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, UK, and US. The 2nd ADGMIN meeting, held recently, was attended by India virtually. Both sides agreed on the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022, outlining future collaboration in the field.
Under this plan, India and ASEAN nations will develop robust systems to challenge the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets, and will work to enhance public internet access through wifi network interfaces. Future cooperation will also focus on strengthening capacities and knowledge sharing in emerging ICT areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, advanced satellite communication, and cyber forensics.
The Significance of Information and Communication Technologies
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a crucial role in empowering democratic systems and institutions. They enhance the interaction between citizens and state apparatus, promote free speech, human rights, and the free flow of information and increase opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making processes. ICTs also have the potential to profoundly impact rural dwellers’ lives.
The COVID-19 crisis has accentuated the importance of ICTs, demonstrating their potential as a tool to mitigate impacts on public health systems, economies, and social orders.
Recent Related Initiatives by India
The Indian telecom ministry launched a portal in December 2019 to facilitate residents of Delhi-NCR in blocking and tracing their lost or stolen mobile phones. The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system backs this initiative, addressing security, theft, and other concerns, including the reprogramming of mobile handsets.
Other Related ASEAN Groupings
ASEAN is also part of other significant groupings like the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum. The ADMM Plus includes Defence Ministers from ten ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners, which are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States.
The ASEAN Regional Forum, established in 1994, serves as an important platform for security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region. It comprises 27 members.
The East Asia Summit (EAS), established in 2005, is a dialogue forum for regional leaders to discuss strategic political, security, and economic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. EAS comprises the ten ASEAN member states and eight other countries.