At the 20th ASEAN-India Summit held in Jakarta, Indian PM Narendra Modi said ASEAN is the “central pillar of India’s Act East Policy” and remarked that a shared belief in a multipolar world binds India and ASEAN together.
Modi is on a one-day visit to Indonesia, during which he participated in the 18th East Asia Summit. In his address, Modi called upon the Association of East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collectively raise issues faced by the Global South in multilateral fora.
ASEAN and Indo-Pacific
During his speech, Modi highlighted that the progress of a free and open Indo-Pacific and representation of the voice of the Global South is in the common interest of all.
My remarks at the ASEAN-India Summit. https://t.co/OGpzOIKjIf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 7, 2023
The Indian PM said ASEAN holds a prominent place in India’s Indo-Pacific initiative.
He expressed India’s support towards ASEAN’s centrality and outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
During the address, Modi emphasised the synergies between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Furthermore, the Indian PM stressed the need to complete the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) in a time-bound manner.
ASEAN an Epicenter of Growth; 12-Point Proposal
Modi said, “ASEAN matters because here everyone’s voice is heard, and ASEAN is the epicentre of growth because the ASEAN region plays a crucial role in global development.”
He said the “21st century is the century of Asia” and underscored the need to build a rule-based post-covid world order and efforts by all for human welfare.
Additionally, Modi presented a 12-point proposal to strengthen cooperation between the two sides on connectivity, digital transformation, and trade and economic engagement, among other things.
The Indian PM called for establishing an economic corridor linking Southeast Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe. He discussed the strengthening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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
The Indian leader invited ASEAN countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and for enhanced maritime safety, security and domain awareness cooperation.
At the summit, two statements were adopted, one concerning Maritime Cooperation and the other concerning Food Security.
ASEAN a Focal Point of Quad
At the East-Asia Summit (EAS), the Indian PM reiterated the importance of the EAS and underscored that ASEAN is the focal point of Quad’s vision.
Quad is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the US.
The Indian PM called for a cooperative approach to address global challenges. This includes terrorism, climate change, resilient supply chains for essential items, including food and medicines, and energy security.
The summit also focused on important developmental sectors like healthcare, environment, and digital innovations.