The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization that brings together disparate neighbours to address economic and security issue among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Notably, the objective of India’s South East Policy is aimed to strengthen trilateral relations with ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, Thailand. The interaction and bonding with the cultures of any country becomes the basis for strengthening the relation, and for the same reason India is going to further strengthen its cultural relation with the ASEAN countries through its glorious & rich culture, secularism, Sufism, unity in diversity and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one Family).

The deliberation at ASEAN 2023 adopted the Annex to the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity (2021-2025). The relationship between ASEAN and India has become a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since November 2022. The ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership Action Plan 2021-2025 has achieved around 86% of its targets.

Renowned Scholars, Interfaith activists, Peace makers, Religious & Spiritual leaders from across the globe have been invited to this international conference. Haji Syed Salman Chishty – Gaddi Nashin – Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman – Chishty Foundation is invited to participate as Speaker and represent AjmerSharif, India to enlighten the global community on shared civilizational values, Indian Culture, Sufism & World Peace at :- ASEAN Conference on Inter Religious & Inter cultural Dialogue titled “ASEAN shared Civilizational Values : Building an Epicentrum of Harmony to Foster Peace, security and Prosperity”. The ASEAN Conference on Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue shall consist of a one-day summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 7th August 2023.

Haji Syed Salman Chishty is Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer sharif, Spiritual Speaker and prominent speaker at several international interfaith seminars and conferences including Harvard University & John Hopkins university is also the Chairman of Chishty Foundation which is actively engaged in promoting peace, universal brotherhood globally in over 100 countries and engaging efforts to improve the lives of the marginalized sections of society in India. India’s Act East Policy aims to strengthen engagement with Southeast Asia, and initiatives like the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway demonstrate this commitment. By further expanding connectivity, such as through maritime links and digital networks, India, and Indonesia together with ASEAN region can unlock immense potential for cooperation and development.

The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is, restoring ‘civilizational connectivity’ which would revive historical linkages and shared heritage between India, Indonesia, South and Southeast Asia. It would promote cultural understanding, academic collaborations, and people-to-people exchanges, fostering stronger regional bonds. These perspectives highlight the multifaceted benefits of restoring ‘civilizational connectivity’ between South and Southeast Asia, emphasizing the potential for economic growth, strategic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and addressing common challenges for the betterment of the entire region. ASEAN has the potential to facilitate the peaceful navigation of regional challenges, as it consists of countries that have historically shared a similar set of civilizational values, rooted deeply within its respective community traditions, said Haji Syed Salman Chishty before leaving to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend and represent India at the ASEAN Summit.