Agencies New Delhi, Oct. 10 The 21st ASEAN India Summit was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 10 October 2024. Marking a decade of India s Act East Policy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi joined ASEAN leaders to review the progress of ASEAN India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of cooperation. This was Prime Minister s 11th participation in the Summit. In his address, PM reiterated India s support for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific. Calling the 21st century as the Asian century, he noted that India ASEAN ties were critical to guiding Asia s future. Emphasizing 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. PM underlined the need to complete the review of ASEAN India FTA AITIGA in a time bound manner towards harnessing greater economic potential for the benefit of the ASEAN India community.
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