Indian PM stresses ASEAN countries’ role in “Act East” policy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that his upcoming visits to three ASEAN nations will give a further push to India’s “Act East” policy.
New Delhi (VNA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modihas declared that his upcoming visits to three ASEAN nations will give afurther push to India’s “Act East” policy.
Speaking on the threshold of his visits to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singaporefrom May 29 to June 2, Modi said New Delhi boasts strong strategic partnershipswith the three countries.
As scheduled, the Indian leader will be present in Jakarta, the capital ofIndonesia, on May 29. During his first visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister ofIndia, Modi will hold talks with President Joko Widodo the next day.
He will also address a CEOs forum and the Indian community in the SoutheastAsia's largest nation. There are around 100,000 people of Indian origin andaround 7,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Indonesia.
On May 31, the Indian PM will make a brief stopoverin Malaysia on his way from Indonesia to Singapore, during which he willmeet newly elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
In Singapore, on June 1, he will deliver the keynote addressat the Shangri-La Dialogue, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do soin the inter-governmental security forum. This will be anopportunity for Modi to clearly show India’s viewpoints on regional securityissues and measures to maintain peace and stability in the region.-VNA
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh has highlighted the strong development of the relations between ASEAN and India over the past 25 years in various fields.
Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had a meeting with Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta on January 6 as part of her visit to Indonesia, spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar twittered.
Enhancing ties in counter-terrorism, security and trade will top the agenda at the India-ASEAN Summit that will see the participation of leaders from all ten ASEAN countries to mark the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs inaugurated the India-ASEAN Friendship Park in Tughlak Marg street, New Delhi on January 2, a day ahead of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.
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: VNA) 
