Leaders discuss strengthening ASEAN-India ties across political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres
The 27th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting (AISOM) took place in Manila, co-chaired by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), and MA. Theresa P. Lazaro, Philippine SOM Leader from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Philippines serves as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
Key Discussions and Agreements
The officials reviewed the implementation of decisions made at the ASEAN-India Summit and the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (PMC+1). They noted significant progress in executing the 10-Point Proposal announced by India’s Prime Minister at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Lao PDR (2024). One major highlight was the agreement to designate 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, reinforcing bilateral engagement.
Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations
Secretary (East) emphasized that ASEAN remains a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Discussions covered crucial areas such as:
- Tourism collaboration to boost cultural and economic ties
- Early completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to facilitate trade
- Enhanced cooperation in digital technology, maritime security, connectivity, health, and innovation
- Strategic dialogues on regional and global issues of mutual interest
The meeting focused on reviewing past commitments and enhancing cooperation between India and ASEAN across key areas, including trade, connectivity, security, and socio-cultural exchange
Preparations for Upcoming Summits
The meeting also focused on preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit and the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled to be held in Malaysia later this year.
ASEAN representatives acknowledged India’s continued support for ASEAN-led regional frameworks.
Bilateral Relations Between India and the Philippines
On the sidelines of the meeting, Secretary (East) met with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo, discussing ways to enhance India-Philippines bilateral relations.
He also extended gratitude for Secretary Manalo’s acceptance to participate in the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi from March 17-19, 2025.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment of India and ASEAN to deepening their strategic partnership across multiple domains.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com