India and ASEAN have recognised that tourism is an effective way to enhance people-to-people contacts between the two. In a Joint statement,  they both reaffirmed the commitment to promote sustainable tourism guided by green, blue and circular economy principles that are pro-planet and nature-positive, ensuring a high-quality tourist experience and industry growth. It noted that tourism has become one of the important drivers for economic growth for both ASEAN and India. It stated that tourism is one of the biggest indirect drivers having multiple effects of trade, investment, infrastructure development and job creation for local communities.