Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 6 and 7 to participate in the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits, according to an announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday. During his visit, Modi's primary focus will be to bolster India's trade and security ties with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This engagement will be pivotal, especially considering the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.
"The forthcoming ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022," noted the MEA.
Prime Minister Modi has been invited to Jakarta by Joko Widodo, the President of Indonesia. He will participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit. Indonesia currently holds the chair of ASEAN, making it the host for these important gatherings.
The ASEAN-India Summit aims to evaluate the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. Meanwhile, the East Asia Summit will provide a platform for leaders from ASEAN countries and their eight dialogue partners, including India, to discuss regional and global issues of significance.
ASEAN comprises ten member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Over the past few years, India's relations with ASEAN have seen substantial growth, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, security, and defense.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi will not attend this year's annual UN General Assembly session, scheduled for later this month. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will address the high-level week, as per the provisional list of speakers released by the UN, news agency PTI reported.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly will commence its high-level General Debate on September 19, with Brazil traditionally taking the first speaking slot, followed by the United States.