India-ASEAN Summit to focus on counter-terrorism, security, trade
Enhancing ties in counter-terrorism, security and trade will top the agenda at the India-ASEAN Summit that will see the participation of leaders from all ten ASEAN countries to mark the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fourth, left) and other delegates at the 15th ASEAN-India Summit in November 2017. (Photo: VNA)
New Delhi (VNA) – Enhancing ties incounter-terrorism, security and trade will top the agenda at the India-ASEANSummit that will see the participation of leaders from all ten ASEAN countriesto mark the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership.
The visit of the leaders of the ASEAN countries, who willbe the chief guests at India’s Republic Day parade, is “unprecedented” and a“landmark” event, Secretary (East) of the Indian Ministry of External AffairsPreeti Saran told reporters.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj’s visits tothree ASEAN nations – Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore – last week turned outto be a curtain-raiser for the summit, Saran said.
In reply to the question whether security andcounter-terrorism will be discussed, she said these issues “always remain onagenda”.
Discussions will also be held between the working groupsof India and ASEAN to strengthen air and maritime connectivity and seek ways tostep up cooperation in textiles.
Prior to the summit which will take place on January 25,India has hosted many events in celebration of the India-ASEAN DialoguePartnership in multiple areas, from culture to trade.-VNA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his trip to the Philippines for the India-ASEAN Summit shows the country's commitment to deepening ties with the ASEAN member states and the Indo-Pacific region as part of his “Act East Policy”.
The ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit kicked off in India’s capital city of New Delhi on December 11 under the theme of “Powering digital and physical linkages for Asia in the 21st century.”
India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and her Thai counterpart held talks on January 4 in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss connectivity, security and cultural cooperation to keep up with the growing momentum of bilateral ties.
Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had a meeting with Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta on January 6 as part of her visit to Indonesia, spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar twittered.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fourth, left) and other delegates at the 15th ASEAN-India Summit in November 2017. (Photo: VNA) 
