The ASEAN-India Music Festival (AIMF) concluded its biggest and most expansive edition, held from November 29 to December 1 at the renowned Purana Qila in New Delhi, India, offering free entry to all. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Seher, the festival celebrated a decade of India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ a comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN countries.
Drawing thousands of music lovers over three days, the ASEAN-India Music Festival was a stunning tribute to music and its power to unite people from different cultures and a display of world-class talent. Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Pabitra Margherita, who inaugurated the event on its opening day as the Chief Guest, succinctly remarked, “ASEAN-India Music Festival 2024 has shown how melodies can dissolve boundaries and foster connections that go beyond geography. Over these three days, we’ve celebrated not just the rhythm of instruments but the heartbeat of two regions bound by shared history and aspirations. The energy here at Purana Qila is a reminder that when art speaks, it unites us in ways words alone cannot. It has been an honor to witness this beautiful symphony of cultures.”
The third AIMF opened in grand style, featuring captivating performances by India’s music icons Shaan and Raghu Dixit alongside ASEAN talents such as CHET Kanhchna (Cambodia), MRTV (Myanmar), and Buc Tuong (Vietnam).
Day 2 delivered more electrifying performances on a global music stage, as India’s sensational pop duo Sukriti-Prakriti and indie pop-rock heroes Western Ghats brought dynamic energy to the ancient grounds of Purana Qila, while ASEAN artists like Floor 88 (Malaysia), Television Off (Thailand), and Tropical Hornbills (Brunei) proudly represented their vibrant cultures to the audience.
The final day saw award-winning singer-songwriter Jasleen Royal captivate the huge crowds with her performance. They were further treated to more remarkable acts from ASEAN, such as Subsonic Eye (Singapore), who delivered ethereal indie pop, while Milledenials (Indonesia) turned up the tempo with their infectious energy. TAIY AKARD (Lao PDR) and KAIA (Philippines) rounded up the incredible night with their high-powered sets, concluding the 2024 edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival.
The festival was not only an occasion to hear great music but also played a vital role in connecting people from different backgrounds. Shaan—the “Golden Voice of India”—reflected, “Music is the heartbeat of humanity, and this festival showed us just how powerful that connection can be… sharing a stage with artists from ASEAN and feeling the audience’s energy was surreal. Music really is a universal language, and tonight proved that beyond a doubt.”
Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Pabitra Margherita, inaugurated the event, highlighting the festival’s role in strengthening ASEAN-India ties through shared cultural bonds. He remarked, “This highlights the cultural bonds we’ve forged over the years. It’s a celebration of how music transcends borders, deepening our connections and strengthening the ties that unite ASEAN and India in our shared journey of growth.”
Sanjeev Bhargava, Director of Seher, echoed the sentiment, describing the event as “[a representation] of the connections that grow from shared experiences, the relationships built over time, and the new ones that music helps create. By coming together to celebrate, we are fostering understanding and enriching the ties that bind our cultures.”
