2025 to Mark ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, India Contributes USD 5 Million

Emphasizing the strong relationship between India and the ASEAN nations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that 2025 will be celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. As part of the initiative, India will contribute USD 5 million toward joint cooperative activities for the development of tourism in the ASEAN region.

This announcement came during a special briefing led by Jaideep Mazumdar, the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East), following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Laos for the 21st ASEAN-India Summit.

Mazumdar highlighted the importance of this initiative as part of India's ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity and resilience with ASEAN countries, particularly in the tourism sector. The initiative is also one of the key components of a 10-point special plan unveiled by PM Modi on Thursday.

A Decade of India’s Act East Policy

Mazumdar pointed out that 2025 holds special significance as it marks 10 years of India’s Act East Policy, a strategy that focuses on enhancing economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. He also highlighted how ASEAN nations have positively assessed India's role in building digital public infrastructure and strengthening collaboration in multiple sectors, which will benefit ASEAN member states. Mazumdar said, “ASEAN leaders and the Prime Minister reviewed our relations... they positively appraised our cooperation in diverse areas of collaboration as a result of India’s Act East Policy.”

Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-point special plan aims to boost the connectivity and resilience of ASEAN nations with India. This includes several people-centric initiatives to commemorate the decade of the Act East Policy, enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The announcement of celebrating 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism was universally welcomed by ASEAN leaders. India's contribution of USD 5 million will be allocated toward joint tourism development activities in the region.

Mazumdar noted that India’s leadership role in digital public infrastructure was also highly appreciated by ASEAN leaders, with the potential to significantly benefit the region.

India’s Continued Engagement with ASEAN and East Asia

During PM Modi’s two-day visit to Laos from October 10-11, 2024, he participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. His visit underscores India’s deep commitment to the region and the broader East Asia Process. As Mazumdar said, “The Prime Minister attended these significant events for the 11th time, showing India's great focus and commitment to ASEAN and East Asia.”

In addition to participating in the summits, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with leaders from Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, and other key figures such as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. These meetings further strengthened diplomatic ties and collaborative efforts in various sectors.

Although the East Asia Summit did not result in a joint Leaders' statement, there was a Chair statement, and discussions on various important issues, such as regional stability and development, continued.

Conclusion:

India's decision to celebrate 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism and contribute USD 5 million underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN nations. This initiative is part of PM Modi's 10-point plan aimed at boosting connectivity and cooperation in various sectors, including tourism and digital public infrastructure.

Marking a decade of the Act East Policy, India is reinforcing its leadership role in Southeast Asia, fostering stronger people-to-people connections and economic growth. PM Modi’s visit to Laos and participation in the ASEAN-India Summit further demonstrate India’s dedication to maintaining robust partnerships in the region, highlighting the growing significance of these collaborations for both economic and strategic interests.

These efforts pave the way for deeper bilateral relations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cooperation between India and ASEAN as they continue to work together for a more connected and resilient future.