Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7 attended the 20th ASEAN Summit in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta and said that grouping is the central pillar of India’s Act East policy.
In his address, he emphasised the importance of the progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the Voice of Global South is in the common interest of all.
PM Modi said that our history and geography connect India and ASEAN. Along with shared values, regional unity,Peace, prosperity, and a shared belief in a multipolar world also binds us together.
Prime Minister said that ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy.India fully supports ASEAN centrality and ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
He went on to say that ASEAN holds a prominent place in India’s Indo-Pacific initiative. Last year, we celebrated the India-ASEAN Friendship Year and elevated our relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.
He highlighted that 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century. For this, it is necessary to build a rule-based post-COVID world order and efforts by all for human welfare.
He said that he believes that today’s discussions will lead to new resolutions for strengthening the future of India and the ASEAN region.
He also congratulated Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organising the Summit and said, “Our partnership has reached the fourth decade. It is an honour for me to co-chair this Summit. I want to congratulate Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organising this Summit.”