ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting Reaffirms Digital Cooperation

The sixth ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) was held virtually, reaffirming the shared commitment of ASEAN Member States and India to deepen cooperation in the digital domain. The annual forum brought together telecom and digital ministers to review progress and chart future priorities for regional digital integration and inclusion.

Leadership and Participation at the Meeting

The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, and Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam. It was attended by digital and telecom ministers from 11 ASEAN Member States, along with representatives from ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, reflecting the forum’s importance in shaping the broader Asia-Pacific digital agenda.

Focus on Digital Transformation and Cooperation

The ministers acknowledged the adoption of the ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation at the 21st ASEAN–India Summit held in October 2024 in Vientiane. The statement outlines cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure, financial technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and sustainable financing. The meeting also reviewed progress under the ASEAN–India 2025 Digital Work Plan, particularly capacity-building initiatives.

Future Roadmap and India’s Digital Experience

The meeting welcomed the ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan for 2026, which focuses on ICT training programmes, the India–ASEAN Regulators’ Conference, and deployment of telecom ICT solutions. Ministers also noted the operationalisation of the ASEAN–India Fund for Digital Future. Addressing the forum, Shri Amit Agrawal highlighted India’s rapid digital transformation, including near-universal 4G coverage, one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts, rural broadband expansion through BharatNet, and India’s rise as a major mobile manufacturing hub.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• ADGMIN is an annual forum of ASEAN and partner country digital ministers.
• The ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Digital Transformation was adopted in October 2024.
• India showcased Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker.
• The ASEAN–India Fund for Digital Future supports regional digital cooperation.

Artificial Intelligence and Shared Digital Vision

India emphasised the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and outlined its IndiaAI Mission, focusing on safe, trusted, and responsible AI. India expressed readiness to collaborate with ASEAN on AI capacity building, standards development, and practical applications. The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of India and ASEAN to build an open, secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem that supports mutual growth and regional prosperity.