New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and support for ASEAN’s centrality in the region.
Prime Minister Modi put forth these views while participating in the 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Brunei through video conference.
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“Participated in the 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Brunei through video conference. Re-affirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region. @ASEAN @Asean2021_BN,” he tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi said India remains committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism, rules-based international order, international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
“India remains committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism, rules-based international order, international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. I look forward to participating in the 18th ASEAN-India Summit tomorrow,” he posted on the mirco-blogging platform.
The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region.
The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence, PTI reported.
The East Asia Summit is the premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic and geopolitical evolution of East Asia.
The East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia besides the 10 ASEAN member states.
The 18th ASEAN-India Summit will review the status of ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take stock of progress made in key areas, including Covid-19 and health, trade and commerce, connectivity, and education and culture. Important regional and international developments including post pandemic economic recovery will also be discussed.
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The ASEAN-India Summits are held annually and provide opportunity for India and ASEAN to engage at the highest level.
Prime Minister Modi attended the 17th ASEAN-India Summit held virtually in November last year. The 18th ASEAN-India Summit will be the ninth ASEAN-India Summit to be attended by him.