India Increases Scholarships for ASEAN Students
India has announced a significant increase in scholarships for students from ASEAN countries to study at Nalanda University. This was revealed by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs, during a press briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Laos.
Strengthening Ties with ASEAN
Mazumdar highlighted India’s focus on secure and reliable supply chains with ASEAN nations. He also mentioned the institutionalization of the ASEAN-India Women’s Scientist Conclave, funded by the ASEAN India Science and Technology Development Fund.
Trade and Disaster Resilience
India plans to expedite discussions on the ASEAN-India Free Trade and Goods Agreement by 2025 and contribute USD 5 million towards disaster resilience. A new health ministers track and a cooperative framework for ASEAN countries to access India’s national cancer grid, Vishwam, will also be established.
Environmental and Digital Initiatives
PM Modi invited ASEAN leaders to join the tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. The 21st ASEAN-India Summit adopted declarations on the Act East policy and digital transformation.
India’s Support for ASEAN
At the East Asia Summit, PM Modi expressed India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality. He acknowledged Singapore’s role as coordinator and welcomed the Philippines as the next coordinator.
India-Laos Partnership
Mazumdar emphasized the positive developmental partnership between India and Laos, including capacity building and humanitarian assistance. He noted the cultural and heritage links that strengthen people-to-people connections.
PM Modi’s Visit to Laos
During his two-day visit, PM Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summits, meeting leaders from various countries. He was warmly welcomed in Vientiane and interacted with the Indian diaspora.
Doubts Revealed
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together to promote economic growth and peace in the region.
Nalanda University -: Nalanda University is a famous university in India, known for its historical significance and focus on research and education. It is located in the state of Bihar.
Scholarships -: Scholarships are financial aids given to students to help them pay for their education. They are often awarded based on academic or other achievements.
PM Modi -: PM Modi refers to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the Indian government and represents India in international matters.
Laos -: Laos is a country in Southeast Asia, known for its mountainous terrain and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the member countries of ASEAN.
Secure supply chains -: Secure supply chains ensure that goods and services are delivered safely and efficiently from one place to another, without any disruptions.
Women’s Scientist Conclave -: A Women’s Scientist Conclave is a gathering or meeting where women scientists come together to discuss their work, share ideas, and promote science.
USD 5 million contribution -: A USD 5 million contribution means that India is giving 5 million US dollars to help with disaster resilience, which means preparing for and recovering from natural disasters.
Tree plantation campaign -: A tree plantation campaign is an effort to plant trees in order to improve the environment and combat climate change. It involves people coming together to plant trees in different areas.
East Asia Summits -: East Asia Summits are meetings where leaders from East Asian countries and other invited countries discuss important regional and global issues.