India Celebrates ASEAN Bonds with $5M Tourism Boost and Act East Milestone

India strengthens ties with ASEAN by contributing USD 5 million to tourism development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Laos highlights ASEAN-India cooperation and the decade-long Act East policy. 2025 will be 'ASEAN-India Year of Tourism', reflecting India's commitment to the East Asia Process.

During a special briefing in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs announced India's contribution of USD 5 million to foster tourism development among ASEAN nations. The announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Laos, ahead of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism in 2025.

Prime Minister Modi unveiled a 10-point plan designed to enhance connectivity and resilience among ASEAN nations and India, as part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of India's Act East policy. The initiative received a warm reception from ASEAN leaders who praised India's role in digital infrastructure development.

The initiatives underscore India's dedication to deeper engagement with ASEAN, demonstrated through Modi's attendance at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and subsequent meetings with various regional leaders. Notably, despite attending the East Asia Summit, the absence of a joint leaders' statement highlighted ongoing diplomatic challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)