Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, is virtually co-chairing the 17th ASEAN-India Summit that began on Thursday, 12 November.
Speaking at the summit, PM Modi said that the Strategic Partnership of India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is based on the shared historical, geographical and cultural heritage, adding that ASEAN has been the core of India’s Act East Policy from the very beginning.
Stressing the relationship between India and ASEAN nations, PM Modi said, “There are many similarities between India’s Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative and ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo Pacific.”
Enhancing every type of connectivity between India and ASEAN is a major priority for us, he said as he addressed the summit, adding that a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is required for security and growth for all in the region.
“It is of prime importance for us to improve physical, economic, societal, digital, financial and maritime connections between India and ASEAN. We have come closer in these sectors in the last couple of years and I believe this Summit will go further to bridge gaps,” PM Modi said.
Discussions at Summit
The MEA said that, at the summit, PM Modi also stressed leveraging strong ASEAN-India ties in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He also welcomed ASEAN's initiatives to fight the pandemic and announced a contribution of USD 1 million to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, ANI reported, quoting the MEA.
Discussions at the summit reportedly also covered regional and international issues of common interest and concern for the participating countries including the South China Sea and terrorism, with both sides noting the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region.
The leaders of all ten ASEAN member States are participating in the summit that is being held virtually.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday had said that the summit will review the status of the ASEAN-India strategic partnership. It is also expected to review the progress made in key areas such as connectivity, maritime cooperation, trade and commerce, education and capacity building.
(With inputs from ANI.)
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