New Delhi [India]: Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, inaugurated the 3rd ASEAN-India Music Festival in New Delhi, celebrating the decade-long journey of India’s Act East Policy.
Speaking at the event, Minister Margherita emphasized the unifying power of music:
“Music is a universal language that inspires, heals, and connects us. Today’s event is very special because we have an opportunity to hear music from a region with which we share deep civilization bonds. We share language, literature, cultural practices, stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Jatakas, Buddhism, art, architecture, and even festivals.”
He highlighted that 2024 marks 10 years of the Act East Policy, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 at the ASEAN-India Summit. Referring to the festival’s inception, the Minister noted:
“The Indian Music Festival was announced by the Honourable Prime Minister at the 21st ASEAN Summit held on 10th October 24 in Vientiane, Laos PDR, as part of the 10-point programme for strengthening ties among ASEAN countries and India.”
Festival Highlights
The event, attended by prominent officials and Ambassadors from ASEAN member states, showcased performances by bands from India and ASEAN countries. On X, MoS Margherita shared:
Inaugurated the 3rd ASEAN-India Music Festival today, organised to mark 10 years of the Act East Policy.
— Pabitra Margherita (@PmargheritaBJP) November 29, 2024
Also witnessed incredible performances by bands from @ASEAN region & India.
The festival builds on the civilizational connect with ASEAN countries.
@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/7YxfQcpY4g
“Inaugurated the 3rd ASEAN-India Music Festival today, organised to mark 10 years of the Act East Policy. Also witnessed incredible performances by bands from the ASEAN region & India. The festival builds on the civilisational connect with ASEAN countries.”
Strengthening ASEAN-India Ties
India and ASEAN continue to deepen their cooperation through high-level engagements. In October, Prime Minister Modi attended the 21st India-ASEAN Summit in Laos, where he described the 21st century as the “Asian century” and highlighted the importance of ASEAN-India ties in shaping Asia’s future.
In November, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 8th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks, stressing the importance of India-ASEAN collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges.
“India and ASEAN are major demographies whose emerging demands can not only support each other but become larger productive forces in the international economy. Our collaboration can also be crucial in addressing contemporary challenges,” Jaishankar remarked.
Cultural Diplomacy and Shared Heritage
The deep-rooted cultural and civilizational connections between India and ASEAN, from shared epics like the Ramayana to common artistic traditions, continue to serve as the foundation for a strong and evolving partnership. Events like the ASEAN-India Music Festival exemplify how cultural diplomacy can strengthen these ties, benefiting both regions.