India to collaborate on AI capacity with ASEAN

• AI cooperation: India is prepared to partner with ASEAN on AI capacity building, standards and use cases to accelerate responsible digital growth.
• Digital partnership: The move builds on strengthened ASEAN–India digital cooperation aimed at inclusion, cybersecurity and innovation.

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What happened: the initiative seeks to promote responsible AI and innovation across ASEAN

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has publicly expressed willingness to collaborate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on matters related to artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building, standards development and practical use cases, according to a senior DoT official at the 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting on January 16, 2026.

The meeting, held with digital and telecom ministers from the 11 ASEAN countries and India, reaffirmed commitments to deepen digital cooperation across multiple fronts. In his remarks, DoT Secretary Amit Agrawal highlighted AI’s role in shaping the next phase of India’s digital transformation and emphasised that innovation should be aligned with responsibility, transparency and public trust as technology evolves in the region.

Beyond AI collaboration, discussions also covered digital inclusion, cybersecurity, capacity building and knowledge sharing under the ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan, which stems from the broader ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation adopted at the 21st ASEAN‑India Summit.

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Why it’s important

India’s offer to work with ASEAN on AI capacity and standards development reflects a deepening strategic partnership in digital technology between South and Southeast Asia. With AI increasingly central to economic competitiveness and public services, aligning on capacity building and shared technical standards can help ensure regional interoperability, trustworthiness and ethical deployment of AI systems.

The collaboration also builds on India’s own AI policy framework, including its IndiaAI Mission, which prioritises safe, trusted and inclusive AI, and complements ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital ecosystems across member states.

Such cooperation could enhance ASEAN’s collective digital readiness, support AI‑driven innovation in sectors like healthcare, education and public services, and foster a more cohesive regional approach to emerging technology governance. As ASEAN member states develop their AI strategies, India’s engagement may help bridge capacity gaps and contribute to a more connected, secure digital Indo‑Pacific region.