JAKARTA: India has experienced phenomenal success in its digital penetration which even extends to its heartland, and this is one of its many expertise which Asean and the world could learn from.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said India, which recently sent its first spacecraft into space, was emerging with technical advancements which were the envy of many and it remained a country while also making strides in connectivity in rural communities.
"Your success phenomenal success in digital penetration which is seen even in its rural heartland is something we must share, and in particular, your success in the very complex digital banking finance sector and (India's digital) penetration into the rural poor, and heartland.
"And I think although it is not summarised in the initial Asean proposal, but I would certainly feel this one issue India needs to explore and contribute immensely to our (Asean's) common success," Anwar said in a speech at the 20th Asean-India Summit which included the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Jakarta Convention Centre here today.
He said India is seen as among the Asian countries which are successful in food security even amidst the challenges brought about due to climate change, and this was among the sectors which Asean could leverage upon.
"(India) also has another very successful history in terms of food security despite the odds of climate challenges. We believe Asean can leverage on India's wide expertise in agriculture to harness cooperation in smart agriculture practices.
"Asean and India have to cooperate to develop more proactive agenda that promotes inclusive and sustainable growth and deepen collaboration in renewable energy, water management, as well as forest biodiversity conservation."
Anwar said in terms of economic cooperation between Asean and India, he welcomed the progress of the review and efforts made towards the conclusion of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) in 2025 so that the regional bloc could harness the full potential of economic relation.
On challenges of conflicts involving geopolitics, Anwar said Asean and India should continue to use their friendly relations with each other to encourage dialogues, cooperation, peaceful coexistence in various matters including the South China Sea.
In the same speech, Anwar congratulated India for its recent lunar landing and for being the host of the G20 Summit starting on Saturday (Sept 9).
"Prime Minister Modi, you come at a very critical time. You are hosting the very important G20 summit, and we wish you well and we have full confidence to your leadership and the capacity of India to become a great host for such a wonderful event.
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate India, for the remarkable success and historic landing of its spacecraft to the moon."
On Aug 23, India made history after its spacecraft in its moon mission touched down in a soft landing, becoming the first country to have landed on the moon's south pole.
Anwar said that as part of Asean regional bloc and as part of bigger Asian family, it considers India as a partner which it has deep historic ties and that it was an important ally.
"We always proud of being part of the Asian venture and Asean. What is important for me to stress as the prime minister, is that Asean and Malaysia have always considered India historically as a very important strategic ally."
