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Key Points

India and ASEAN have adopted a fresh five-year action plan to deepen their strategic partnership. The Kuala Lumpur meeting emphasized cooperation in tourism, digital infrastructure, and disaster management. MoS Margherita held sideline talks with Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit reaffirmed ASEAN's centrality in India’s Indo-Pacific vision.

Key Points: India ASEAN Adopt New 5-Year Plan at Foreign Ministers Meet

  • New ASEAN-India Plan focuses on digital and maritime cooperation
  • Tourism year celebrations to enhance people-to-people ties
  • Defence and disaster management discussed as key areas
  • Vietnam, Indonesia bilateral talks held on meeting sidelines
3 min read

India, ASEAN adopt new plan of action for next five years during Foreign Ministers' Meet

India and ASEAN agree on 2026-2030 action plan to boost strategic ties, tourism, and digital cooperation during Kuala Lumpur meet.

"Acknowledging the long-standing friendship... we discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation – MoS Pabitra Margherita"

Kuala Lumpur, July 10

Minister of State for External Affairs, MoS Pabitra Margherita, co-chaired the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia on Thursday. The Meeting saw the adoption of a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the next five years.

In a post on X, he described the meeting as productive, which he had co-chaired with Theresa P Lazaro of the Philippines.

MoS Margherita noted that the meeting resulted in the adoption of a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030, which aims to expand cooperation further and give impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN.

Highlighting that as celebrations of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism are on, MoS Margherita said that discussions also took place on enhancing people-to-people relations.

Other areas which featured in discussions included proposals for cooperation in the digital field, disaster management, defence, economy, maritime and health.

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943191169221169369

MoS Margherita held a meeting with the Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, on the margins of the Foreign Ministers' Meet.

In a post on X, he said, "Had a very cordial meeting with Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today on the margin of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Appreciated his personal commitment as the head of the ASEAN Secretariat in facilitating implementation of decisions of leaders towards strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943341522155671714

MoS Margherita also met the Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers' Meet.

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943297285707960687

He also held interaction with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943280394092318765

Upon meeting Philippines' Foreign Affairs' Secretary, Theresa P Lazaro, MoS Margeherita said, "Glad to meet Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro SecLazaro, in the margins of ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. Acknowledging the long standing friendship and 75 years of diplomatic relationship between our countries, we discussed ways to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Thanked the Philippines for solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1943234834442125768

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), had noted in a previous statement that MoS Margherita is visiting Kuala Lumpur from July 10-11 at the invitation of the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia.

India and ASEAN share cultural and civilisational bonds.

The MEA in a previous statement had underscored that ASEAN is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.

The visit by MoS Margherita would renew India's deep engagement with the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, underline our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, MEA noted in its statement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who frequently travels to ASEAN countries, I'm excited about the tourism year initiative! But government should also work on making visa processes simpler between India and ASEAN nations. The cultural connections are deep but red tape makes travel difficult.
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Arjun K
While the diplomatic meetings look impressive, I hope this translates to actual benefits for common people. Last time similar agreements were signed, we didn't see much change on ground. More transparency needed in how these partnerships help Indian businesses and students.
S
Sarah B
The maritime cooperation aspect is crucial given China's growing presence in South China Sea. India must play bigger role in maintaining regional stability. Good to see defense being discussed along with economic ties.
K
Kavya N
ASEAN countries have so much to offer in terms of education and healthcare. Hope the people-to-people relations focus includes student exchange programs and medical tourism collaborations. Our ayurveda and their traditional medicines can learn from each other!
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Vikram M
The digital cooperation part excites me most! India's UPI should be expanded to ASEAN nations. Imagine seamless digital payments when traveling from Chennai to Singapore or Mumbai to Malaysia. That would be real partnership implementation!

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