PM Modi Emphasizes India-ASEAN Unity in Indonesia:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 20th ASEAN Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia. During his address, he underscored the significance of ASEAN in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific initiative. PM mentioned that the India-ASEAN partnership has entered its fourth decade, and he co-chaired the Summit, commending Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organizing it.
PM Modi highlighted the commonalities that bond India and the ASEAN, such as history, geography, shared values, regional integration, and a commitment to peace and a multipolar world. He affirmed ASEAN’s central role in India’s Act East Policy and expressed support for ASEAN’s vision of ASEAN-India centrality and the Indo-Pacific. The theme of the 20th ASEAN Summit, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” was addressed by PM i, who emphasized ASEAN’s pivotal role in global growth.
He also referenced the G20 theme under the Indian presidency, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Furthermore, PM Modi called for amplifying the voice of the global south and highlighted the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. PM Modi extended congratulations to Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen and acknowledged Singapore as the Country Coordinator and Laos, which is set to assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
In addition to the ASEAN Summit, the PM attended the East Asia Summit. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at Jakarta International Airport. The PM also met with the Indian diaspora and was welcomed by President Joko Widodo at the Jakarta Convention Centre, the venue for the ASEAN Summit. Before departing for the summit, PM Modi expressed his anticipation of discussing practical cooperation measures with other leaders to collectively address global challenges.
He highlighted the importance of engagement with ASEAN as a crucial aspect of India’s Act East Policy. The Prime Minister’s visit to Jakarta was at the invitation of President Joko Widodo. PM Modi is expected to return to New Delhi on Thursday evening in preparation for the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10.
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