This week, Vientiane will host the 44th ASEAN Summit and the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between ASEAN and India. Since its inception in 2002, the ASEAN-India annual summit process has now entered its third decade, with relations strengthening through increased trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The relationship has recently been elevated to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), emphasizing meaningful and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Vientiane, Laos, on October 10-11, 2024, at the invitation of Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During his trip, PM Modi will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, both hosted by Laos, the current Chair of ASEAN.

This visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, emphasizing the importance of ASEAN relations in India's regional strategy and Indo-Pacific vision.

The ASEAN-India Summit will assess the progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and outline future cooperation. The East Asia Summit provides a key platform for leaders, including India, to discuss strategic trust and regional issues.

In addition to the summits, PM Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings to strengthen engagement and collaboration with regional partners.

Amid global economic and political uncertainties, this year's ASEAN summit is themed “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

Final Preparations in Vientiane

On Sunday, members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN gathered in Vientiane to finalize documents for presentation at the upcoming summits. The meeting was chaired by Laos's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Mr. Bovonethat Douangchak, and included representatives from ASEAN countries, Timor Leste as an observer, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The documents discussed included draft declarations and statements for the ASEAN-Canada Special Session Summit, the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, the ASEAN-China Summit, and the 25th ASEAN-South Korea Summit, among others. The committee also reviewed progress on developing the ASEAN Community and preparations for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits taking place from October 8-11.

India’s Active Role

Since 2002, India has consistently participated in ASEAN-India summits, and Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend several key discussions, including the East Asia Summit and the 21st India-ASEAN Summit on October 10 and 11. His participation underscores India’s commitment to proactive engagement with ASEAN.

India and ASEAN share both land and maritime borders and are civilizational partners. Together, they represent 7% of the world’s GDP and 26% of the global population, creating a formidable economic bloc. Currently, ASEAN ranks as India’s fourth-largest trading partner, while India is ASEAN's seventh-largest trade partner.

Strengthening Economic Ties

Following Prime Minister Modi's third-term swearing-in in June 2024, he has visited Brunei and Singapore, and welcomed the leaders of Vietnam and Malaysia to India. Key officials, including the External Affairs Minister, have also engaged with several ASEAN member states over the past year.

The ongoing collaboration is reflected in various initiatives, such as the reconstruction of Nalanda University in partnership with Southeast Asian nations and India's participation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in November 2023.

Bilateral trade has seen significant growth since the first summit in 2002, increasing from just US$9 billion to an expected US$150 billion by the end of 2024. India and some ASEAN countries, like Malaysia, have agreed to conduct trade in local currencies, with more nations likely to follow.

Looking Ahead

The last twenty summits have showcased India's energetic engagement with ASEAN, transforming the relationship within the context of the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides advocate for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and emphasize the peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moving forward, ASEAN and India will continue to collaborate on shared interests to ensure regional peace, security, and stability.