This significant initiative announced by PM Modi at 21st ASEAN-India Summit, aims to foster deeper tourism connections, cultural exchange, and economic ties across the region.
In a historic announcement at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi proposed celebrating 2025 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Tourism” to further cement the growing relationship between India and ASEAN nations. This significant initiative aims to foster deeper tourism connections, cultural exchange, and economic ties across the region.
As part of this initiative, India will contribute USD 5 million for joint activities to enhance tourism cooperation, across ASEAN and India. This financial support will also assist in building tourism infrastructure and promotional activities across ASEAN and India, benefiting both regions.
The Prime Minister also suggested commemorating a decade of India’s Act East Policy with various engagements. “By connecting our artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks etc., we can include initiatives such as a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, and Start-up Festival as part of this celebration.”
Emphasising the vibrancy of India’s Act East Policy, PM noted that in the last ten years India-ASEAN trade had doubled to over USD 130 billion; ASEAN is today one of India’s largest trade and investment partners; direct flight connectivity established with seven ASEAN countries; promising beginning made with Fin-tech collaboration with the region; and significant progress made in restoration of shared cultural heritage in five ASEAN countries.
The summit, which convened under the theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” saw India propose ten strategic suggestions to strengthen ASEAN-India relations, with tourism taking centre stage. Other initiatives proposed included Women Scientists’ Conclave, Increased Scholarships for ASEAN Students, Review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, Promoting a Green Future, Climate resilience efforts, among others.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these proposals will receive full support from ASEAN member states. These initiatives aim to build stronger connections not only through infrastructure and tourism but also across economic, digital, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
