India is taking significant steps to enhance its educational and diplomatic ties with the ASEAN nations, particularly through Nalanda University. The Ministry of External Affairs recently announced that scholarships for students from ASEAN countries will be nearly doubled.
This decision was revealed by Jaideep Mazumdar, the Secretary of East in the Ministry of External Affairs, during a press briefing regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Laos.
During his address, Mazumdar highlighted the importance of secure and reliable supply chains between India and ASEAN countries, emphasising that this aspect is vital for strengthening the relationships. The move to increase scholarships is part of a broader initiative to foster deeper educational and cultural connections among ASEAN member states.
Mazumdar announced that the government would institutionalise the ASEAN-India Women’s Scientist Conclave. This initiative will be funded through the ASEAN India Science and Technology Development Fund, promoting collaboration in scientific fields.
The plan is to enhance the number of scholarships available for ASEAN students at Nalanda University, allowing more students from these countries to benefit from India’s educational resources.
The government is also expediting discussions on the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade and Goods Agreement, aiming for completion by 2025. This will not only promote trade but also strengthen economic ties among member nations.
In addition to these initiatives, India will contribute USD 5 million towards disaster resilience efforts, working closely with the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance.
Another important aspect of this collaboration is the establishment of a new health ministers track. This initiative will enable ASEAN countries to utilise India’s national cancer grid, Vishwam, thereby enhancing healthcare cooperation within the region. The idea is to create a framework that supports health collaboration and disaster response across ASEAN countries.
In a noteworthy gesture towards environmental sustainability, Prime Minister Modi invited ASEAN leaders to participate in a tree plantation campaign named “One Tree for Mother.” This campaign was launched earlier this year to promote climate resilience and encourage environmental responsibility.
During the ASEAN-India Summit, two significant declarations were adopted, focusing on the Act East policy and its contributions to the ASEAN-India relationship, as well as advancing digital transformation in the region. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Singapore for its role as coordinator in ASEAN and welcomed the Philippines as the next coordinator.
Mazumdar reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality. He emphasised the importance of ASEAN as a core element of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and highlighted the role of the East Asia Summit in India’s Act East policy. The discussions aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and addressing common challenges faced by the member countries.
Moreover, the developmental partnership between India and Laos was underscored, with a focus on capacity building and humanitarian assistance during calamities such as typhoons and landslides. This partnership extends to defence cooperation, particularly in training, and reflects the close ties between India and Laos.
As part of the initiative to foster educational exchanges, students from Laos are currently studying at Nalanda University and other Indian institutions. The Indian government is opening up opportunities for students from ASEAN countries to participate in various fields, including agriculture, further promoting educational and cultural ties.
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Laos from October 10-11 included participation in the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia Summits. He engaged with leaders from Laos, Thailand, and New Zealand, and held discussions with other prominent leaders like South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Upon his arrival in Laos, Modi was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Home Affairs and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in the capital city, Vientiane. He also took the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora, engaging with community members who were eager to meet him during his visit.
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