Prime Minister Modi engaged in intensive discussions with ASEAN partners to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the ASEAN-India Summit. He stressed the convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and reaffirmed the crucial role of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of expeditiously reviewing the ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA). Prime Minister Modi presented a comprehensive 12-point proposal aimed at strengthening India-ASEAN cooperation. These proposals encompassed various domains, including connectivity, digital transformation, trade and economic engagement, addressing contemporary challenges, fostering people-to-people contacts, and deepening strategic engagement.
Highlights of Prime Minister's Proposals:
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Establishing a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor linking South-East Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe.
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Offering to share India's Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners.
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Announcing the ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future, focusing on digital transformation and financial connectivity.
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Renewing support for the Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to serve as a knowledge partner.
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Advocating for collective representation of issues faced by the Global South in multilateral forums.
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Inviting ASEAN countries to join the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine established by WHO in India.
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Proposing cooperation on Mission LiFE (Livelihoods, Food Security, and Energy).
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Sharing India's experience in providing affordable and quality medicines through Jan-Aushadhi Kendras.
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Calling for collective efforts against terrorism, terror financing, and cyber-disinformation.
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Extending invitations to ASEAN countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
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Encouraging cooperation in disaster management.
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Promoting enhanced cooperation on maritime safety, security, and domain awareness.
The summit yielded two Joint Statements, one on Maritime Cooperation and another on Food Security, reflecting the commitment of India and ASEAN to address shared challenges and opportunities in these critical areas.
Notably, Timor-Leste participated as an observer in the summit, reinforcing the inclusivity of the ASEAN-India dialogue. At the 18th East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the significance of the EAS mechanism and pledged India's continued support for its strengthening. He emphasized India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and advocated for a rules-based Indo-Pacific, reflecting shared objectives with ASEAN.
The Prime Minister underscored the alignment between India and ASEAN's visions for the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing ASEAN as the focal point of the Quad's vision. He called for a cooperative approach to address global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, resilient supply chains for essential items, and energy security. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's initiatives in climate change, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Mission LiFE, and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG).
Leaders at the East Asia Summit also exchanged views on regional and international issues, further solidifying India's commitment to active engagement in the broader Asian and global diplomatic arenas. Prime Minister Modi's participation in these summits reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering strong regional ties, pursuing sustainable development, and addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation.
