Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Sep 7: The 20th ASEAN-India Summit was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasised the strong relationship that exists between India and ASEAN as they begin their fourth decade of cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi, who co-chaired the summit with President Joko Widodo, praised the event’s planning and expressed his gratitude to President Widodo and the ASEAN leaders for their effective leadership.
PM Modi posted on X, “We had productive discussions on enhancing closer cooperation in key areas to further human empowerment”
Attended the East Asia Summit being held in Jakarta. We had productive discussions on enhancing closer cooperation in key areas to further human empowerment. pic.twitter.com/UfN8LiR6Zk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 7, 2023
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmo of Timor-Leste as an observer in the meeting, in his opening remarks and offered his deepest congratulations to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who had just taken office.
PM Modi said, “Our partnership is entering its fourth decade. In this regard, co-chairing the India-ASEAN Summit brings me great pleasure. For the splendid organization of this summit, I heartily congratulate and express my gratitude to President Wido?o. I also extend my congratulations to the capable leadership of the ASEAN group. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister His Excellency Hun Manet of Cambodia for recently assuming office. I also welcome Prime Minister His Excellency Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste as an Observer in this meeting”.
As he emphasized the shared ideals, regional unity and mutual belief in a multipolar world that unites the two entities, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the historical and geographical connections between India and ASEAN.
He reaffirmed India’s strong backing for ASEAN’s centrality and its vision on the Indo-Pacific, observing ASEAN as a key component of India’s Act East Policy.
India elevated the connection to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” last year at the India-ASEAN Friendship Year. The partnership’s ongoing development and resiliency in the face of global uncertainty were highlighted by Prime Minister Modi.
The importance of ASEAN’s voice in global affairs is reflected in this year’s ASEAN Summit’s theme, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” India’s G-20 Presidency theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “one earth, one family, one future,” echoes this concept.
“This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship. The theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit is ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.’ ASEAN matters because here everyone’s voice is heard, and ASEAN is the epicenter of growth because the ASEAN region plays a crucial role in global development”, said PM Modi.
The building of a post-COVID world order based on rules was emphasised by Prime Minister Modi, who noted that the twenty-first century belongs to Asia.
He stressed the value of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the necessity of amplifying the voice of the Global South for the common good.
In order to improve the future of both India and the ASEAN region, the Prime Minister concluded by reiterating India’s commitment to cooperating with all ASEAN nations, including Singapore as the Country Coordinator and the upcoming Chair, Lao PDR.
Prime Minister Modi said, “The progress of a free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the Voice of Global South is in the common interest of all. I believe that today’s discussions will lead to new resolutions for strengthening the future of India and the ASEAN region. Country Coordinator Singapore, upcoming Chair Lao PDR, and with all of you, India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with you”.
Following the conference, Prime Minister Modi also took part in the East Asia conference in Jakarta, where the conversation was on fostering deeper collaboration in crucial sectors to empower mankind and promote an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, posted on X, “Imparting further dynamism to India’s Act East policy! PM Narendra Modi, participated in the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta today. In his address, the PM highlighted convergence on the vision for Indo-Pacific between India & ASEAN and underscored that ASEAN is the focal point of Quad’s vision. PM called for strengthening multilateralism and ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.”
Imparting further dynamism to 🇮🇳’s Act East policy!
PM @narendramodi participated in the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta today.
In his address, PM highlighted convergence on vision for Indo-Pacific between India & ASEAN and underscored that ASEAN is the focal point of Quad’s… pic.twitter.com/w9hMiyFiv5
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 7, 2023
The founding members of ASEAN—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand—signed the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, officially establishing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
