India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries have jointly recognised the importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in driving digital transformation and promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a statement released following the 21st ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Laos.
In the joint declaration, both regions underscored the need for technology to bridge the existing digital gaps between them. They emphasised the role of digital advancements in promoting inclusive and sustainable development and enhancing economic integration throughout the region.
The rapid transformation aimed at addressing digital divides was highlighted as a crucial step for accelerating progress and fostering sustainable development.
ASEAN nations acknowledged India’s significant contributions to the implementation of the “ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.” This includes support for the ASEAN-India Digital Works, which focuses on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Software Development and Training in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. These initiatives aim to bolster regional digital capabilities and prepare the workforce for future technological advancements.
Both parties identified multiple areas of collaboration, including DPI, financial technology (FinTech), cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), capacity building, and sustainable financing and investment.
The joint efforts will involve sharing expertise and best practices in developing, implementing, and governing DPI. They plan to utilise various platforms to facilitate DPI development across the region, extending its application to sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action.
FinTech innovation was also highlighted as a key driver for strengthening the economic partnership between ASEAN and India. The two sides expressed their intent to explore cross-border linkages between their respective payment systems.
This would potentially enhance financial connectivity and boost economic activities by creating seamless, efficient, and secure digital payment ecosystems.
Cybersecurity cooperation was another focal point. The nations welcomed the ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue, a collaborative initiative aimed at expanding cybersecurity measures to support the growing digital economy.
This dialogue will help establish stronger digital safety frameworks, protecting the infrastructure that supports both regions’ digital economies.
In the field of artificial intelligence, the regions agreed to collaborate on developing the necessary knowledge, skills, infrastructure, and risk management frameworks to leverage AI technologies effectively.
The partnership seeks to harness AI’s potential responsibly, ensuring that advancements are made with adequate safeguards and policies to mitigate risks.
To promote digital transformation further, both parties plan to use existing frameworks, including the ASEAN-India Digital Ministers’ Meeting. Regular exchanges, workshops, seminars, training programs, and capacity-building exercises will be conducted to enhance digital knowledge and expertise.
The focus will be on topics that facilitate digital transformation, such as AI, FinTech, and cybersecurity, with an emphasis on building skills and capabilities that align with the regions’ development goals.
Looking ahead, India and ASEAN countries acknowledged the development of the “ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026-2030.” This new phase will build upon the existing master plan, aiming to expedite digital transformation across ASEAN nations to transition smoothly into the next stage of digital progress by 2030. The initiative aligns with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which envisions a digitally advanced and integrated ASEAN region.
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