India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022

On 28^th January, 2022, the 2^nd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting with India was held on a virtual platform, where two sides finalized India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 for future collaboration in the field.

ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN): ADGMIN is an annual meeting of Telecom Ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) countries and dialogue partner countries – Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, UK and US.

Significance: The plan will help to increase the engagement between the citizens and the state.

• The plan will use Information and Communication technologies to promote human rights, free speech, and free flow of information.
• It will expand the opportunities of decision making processes.
• The year 2022 was designated as the ‘ASEAN–India Friendship Year’ to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN–India relations. It was also the year when Cambodia took over the presidency of ASEAN while Singapore assumed charge as the Country Coordinator for India.
• This presents a paradox and a dilemma for India as many within ASEAN itself would like to restrict the role of Cambodia (and also Laos) which is seen as an ally of China.