Mr Sinha said that India has already been connected digitally with the ASEAN region of Singapore as a hub.

The Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that India is in progress towards enhancing the digital connectivity across India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking at the Valedictory Session of the two day ASEAN - India Connectivity Summit in New Delhi, Mr Sinha said that India has already been connected digitally with the ASEAN region of Singapore as a hub. Taking into account the expeditious growth in digital services, the connectivity needed to be strengthened. He was addressing the ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit jointly organised by CII and ASEAN India Centre.

According to Mr. Sinha, digital connectivity between the two regions will benefit a lot of lives as it will ensure far-reaching ICT penetration and skill development. He expressed about India’s experience with the Digital India program by stating that India was keen to learn from the best practices followed by countries in the ASEAN region to strengthen digital connectivity within the country.

Some of the connectivity related initiatives that India was undertaking included building of roads in to link India’s Northeast to the ASEAN region, strengthening maritime security and establishment of new trade routes between India and South East Asia.

Dr. Prabir De, Coordinator, ASEAN - India Centre (AIC), RIS highlighted some of the outcomes of the Summit. He stated that plans have been put in place to enhance digital connectivity between the two regions.