ASEAN Secretary-General's visit to India marks a new era in strategic partnership

Additionally, Dr. Kao is slated to speak at Nalanda University in Rajgir on "The Future of ASEAN: ASEAN's Relevance and Resilience in the Evolving Strategic Environment." His address at this renowned institution, where students from ASEAN member states pursue higher education under ASEAN-India cooperation projects, is expected to underscore the vitality of ASEAN's role in the regional strategic landscape. Nalanda University also spearheads the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU), further cementing the educational and cultural exchanges between India and ASEAN nations.

India's engagement with ASEAN is a cornerstone of its Act East Policy, now in its 10th year, and is integral to its vision for a broader Indo-Pacific strategy. The elevation of ASEAN-India relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 has paved the way for enhanced collaboration across various domains.

India's steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) reflects its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive region. Furthermore, India endorses the priorities set by Lao PDR during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, under the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," emphasizing the mutual interests in fostering resilience and connectivity amidst the challenges of the 21st century.

Dr. Kao's visit witnesses the robust partnership between India and ASEAN and also a forward-looking endeavour to explore new avenues of cooperation that will benefit the region and beyond.