While preparing to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Indo-ASEAN relations, we can not ignore that India's relations with Southeast Asia are more than two thousand years old. There is clear evidence in history that there was trade between ancient India and Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. These ancient contacts influenced Southeast Asian culture, traditions and languages. In all places, the impression of Indian Hindu-Buddhist influence is clearly seen. Indonesia, Ramayana is given great importance in many Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar and Thailand. The Malay name of Singapore is also derived from the Sanskrit language, which means the city of Lion City i.e. Singapore has always been a supporter of India's entry into ASEAN. India became a dialogue partner in ASEAN category in 1992 and a fully communicative partner in 1995. She has participated in all East Asia conferences since 2005. East Asia Conference is an open, inclusive and rapidly growing regional forum headed by the leaders of this area.
India-ASEAN relations turned into strategic partnership
Over time, India-ASEAN relations and flows climbed and turned into a strategic partnership on the occasion of twentieth anniversary of friendship in 2012. Both sides are working together on ASEAN's various political-security, economic and socio-cultural aspects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy also emphasizes the trio of trade, contacts and culture. Through this mantra, he wants to sharpen the activism with ASEAN which reflects our multilevel and comprehensive cooperation. We have around 30 platforms to cooperate. Over time, trade between the two sides has also been very fast. It has played an important role in the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area i.e. AIFTA. ASEAN-India trade rose from $ 2.9 billion in 1993 to 58 in 2016. Got 4 billion dollars. The ASEAN-India Student Exchange Program and the Delhi Dialogue have also given public relations to the public between the two sides on the social cultural front. Through these forums, our youth, academic and business people have had an opportunity to learn and understand during the meeting, which has strengthened the relationship.
Invitation to Republic Day Parade is a matter of honor for ASEAN leaders
With the participation of ASEAN at the Republic Day celebrations of India, the celebration of both parties has reached the climax. Invitation as a Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade is a matter of great honor for the ASEAN leaders. Opportunities are also present with the challenges in the changing momentum globally. The axis of the strategic balance is slipping. In many parts of the world, changes are taking place at demographic and political level. Consensus on globalization and free trade has definitely affected, but it remains positive in Asia. We need to move forward in the direction of economic engagement. At the same time, be vigilant about tackling emerging challenges like terrorism, cyber crime and climate change.
India and ASEAN have similar thinking
India and ASEAN have similar thinking on many important parameters. Both on the open, balanced and inclusive concept, there is unanimity both in peace and security in the field. India's geographical location is strategically important. It is situated between several major sea routes between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. These seafrances are also extremely important business routes for all ASEAN countries. In such a way, the security of these sea routes is equally necessary for both sides to maintain trade.
ASEAN and India's population are equal to one-fourth of the world's population
ASEAN and India have a population of about 180 crores which is equal to one-fourth of the world's population. Our combined GDP is also more than 4.5 trillion dollars. By 2025, India will become the world's fifth largest consumer market, and in Southeast Asia, even the middle class's scope is doubled to 163 million. If 60% of ASEAN population is below 35 years of age, then by 2020 India will be the youngest country in the world with an average age of 29 years. The demand of internet consumers in ASEAN and India is also increasing at a steady pace, so that the digital economy can fill the lot faster. Although there is so much favorableity on both sides, there is still a lot of scope for giving a new dimension to relations. India's share in ASEAN's foreign trade is only 2.6 percent, which can be increased further.
