India is set to deepen its collaboration with ASEAN Nations by sharing its experience with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems like Aadhaar and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), with a focus on addressing key challenges in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate change.
This agreement, formalized during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vietnam, Laos, reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering economic and technological growth in the region.
Currently, India has existing DPI partnerships with over 10 countries, including Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius. These partnerships enable the seamless exchange of technological solutions, particularly in the fintech sector, promoting economic inclusion and ease of doing business. Extending similar collaborations to ASEAN members is expected to unlock significant economic benefits for both India and ASEAN nations Unified Payment Interface.
For India, this partnership further enhances its standing as a leader in digital innovation and infrastructure. By promoting cross-border digital payment systems, such as Unified Payment Interface, India stands to benefit from the expansion of its digital economy into Southeast Asia, increasing economic linkages and trade efficiency. For ASEAN nations, the introduction of such systems can accelerate financial inclusion, improve governance, and strengthen the region’s cyber resilience.
A joint statement issued at the summit emphasized peace, stability, and economic growth as essential elements of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Leaders from both sides highlighted the importance of digital transformation to address shared concerns, such as cybersecurity and AI technologies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his closing remarks, noted that the adoption of the joint statements on digital transformation and the ASEAN Nation-India Strategic Partnership would lay the foundation for further collaboration. Both sides also agreed to enhance partnerships in fintech, cyber security, and AI applications, with an emphasis on responsible development and risk management.
ASEAN Nations — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia— stand to benefit from this cooperation as they work toward regional stability and technological advancement.
To learn more about India’s role in ASEAN and similar global partnerships, explore India’s Foreign Relations and ASEAN Digital Cooperation for further details.
By building on such collaborations, India and the ASEAN Nation are poised to foster regional growth, enhance digital economies, and ensure peace and stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
