India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022

Context

Recently, the 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting with India was held on a virtual platform.

Key-Highlights

• ADGMIN is an annual meeting of telecom ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) countries —Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam—and dialogue partner countries—Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, UK and US.
• The telecom ministry in December 2019 had launched a portal to help people in Delhi-NCR block and trace their stolen or lost mobile phones.
• The project is backed by the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system, which was undertaken by the telecom department for addressing security, theft and other concerns including reprogramming of mobile handsets.
• During the meeting, the Minister of State for Communications information and communication technologies (ICT) enables and strengthens democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state. 

Significance of the ICT

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) enables and strengthens democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state.
• Use of ICTs promote free speech, human rights and the free flow of information besides expanding citizens' opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and have potential to transform lives of people living in rural areas.
• Technology has emerged as a powerful tool to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is not just a challenge for the public health system but is also adversely impacting the economy and social order of the countries. 

Key-outcomes of the meeting

• The meeting discussed and deliberated various matters relevant to strengthening regional digital cooperation in the spirit of digital inclusion and integration. 
• They approved the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022. The work plan includes: 
  • System for combating the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets 
  • WiFi Access network interface for nationwide public internet.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in the field of Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication, Cyber Forensics among others.