The 8th Roundtable of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT)

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded special address during the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT), which was held in Singapore, on 7 November 2024. In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of deepening ASEAN-India partnership as ASEAN prepares to adopt the ASEAN Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans next year and stated it is imperative for ASEAN and India to leverage on emerging opportunities and proactively adapt to challenges. In addition, he highlighted some key areas of cooperation which ASEAN and India could focus on, including priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AIOP), trade and investment through the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), energy security and power grid connectivity, as well as FinTech. He likewise, expressed confidence that through practical initiatives that foster mutual trust, respect, and benefit via ASEAN-led mechanisms, ASEAN and India can successfully navigate the complex geo-strategic environment.