Indian PM: ASEAN’s centrality is India’s important priority
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that ties between India and ASEAN will keep strengthening in the future based on common values, affirming that ASEAN’s central role is always an important priority of New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: AFP/VNA)
New Delhi (VNA) – Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi has stated that ties between India and ASEAN will keepstrengthening in the future based on common values, affirming that ASEAN’scentral role is always an important priority of New Delhi.
Addressing the 18th ASEAN-India Summiton October 28, Modi said India always sees the unity and centrality ofASEAN as a priority. The lively relations of India and ASEAN for thousands ofyears is reflected in shared values, languages, traditions, architecture,scriptures, culture, and food.
He added that India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)and ASEAN’s Outlook for the Indo-Pacific are the framework for their sharedvision and mutual cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Noting that the year 2022 will mark the 30th anniversary ofthe India-ASEAN partnership, Modi said the important milestone will becelebrated as the “ASEAN-India Friendship Year”.
He stressed that India pledges to further deepen ties withCambodia – alternate ASEAN Chair next year, and Sing🎃apore – coordinator ofASEAN-India partnership./.
The ASEAN Studies Centre of ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute in New Delhi and the ASEAN-India Centre at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) launched their first joint programme entitled “ASEAN-India Development Partnership Programme (AIDPP),” a training and capacity building programme for scholars and practitioners of ASEAN countries and India.
Indian commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on October 8 called for a renegotiation of the India-ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) to prevent its misuse by third parties and pushed for a removal of trade and non-tariff barriers that have hurt Indian exports, reported The Economic Times.
Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi will attend 18th ASEAN-India Summit to be held virtually on October 28 at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei, informed the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 28 called on India to continue supporting and actively contributing to ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability in the East Sea.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
