| 07 September 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, on Thursday morning to participate in the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, solidifying India's commitment to the region's stability and development. The high-profile event marks the 30th anniversary of India's partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and underlines India's "Act East" policy.
Addressing the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi celebrated the significant milestones reached in the India-ASEAN partnership. He stated, "Last year we celebrated the India-ASEAN friendship day and gave it a form of comprehensive strategic partnership." This comprehensive partnership has evolved over four decades and now finds India co-chairing the Summit. Modi commended Indonesian President Joko Widodo for his leadership in organizing this crucial meeting.
"Our (India-Indonesia) partnership is entering its fourth decade. At such a time, co-chairing the ASEAN-India Summit is a matter of pride for me," declared PM Modi, emphasizing the depth and significance of the bilateral relationship.
The summits in Jakarta provide a vital platform for Prime Minister Modi to discuss India's evolving role and partnerships in the strategically important Southeast Asian region. This engagement reflects India's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in areas like food and energy security, environmental sustainability, public health, and digital transformation.
In a demonstration of the warm welcome from the Indian community in Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi shared pictures on his social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, where he expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic reception.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also took to social media to share images of PM Modi's presence at the summits, underlining the diplomatic significance of this visit.
Following the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Modi is set to attend the 18th East Asia Summit, further deepening India's engagement with the region. His visit will culminate with India hosting the G20 Summit on September 9 and 10, reinforcing India's status as a key player in global diplomacy and economics.
Before departing from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN has injected new energy into the group's ties with New Delhi. "Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy," he said in his departure statement, underscoring the strategic significance of these summits in shaping India's foreign policy and regional cooperation.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi expressed eagerness to engage with other East Asia Summit leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address global challenges. This signifies India's commitment to playing a proactive and constructive role in addressing pressing global issues alongside its ASEAN and East Asian partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits signifies India's commitment to strengthening its ties with the region and contributing to regional and global stability and development. As India continues to play a prominent role in the international arena, the outcomes of these summits will likely shape the trajectory of India's partnerships in Southeast Asia and beyond.
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