Prime Minister Attends 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta

TFP Bureau, New Delhi, SEP 07, 2023: In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Prime Minister of India participated in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Jakarta today.

During the ASEAN-India Summit, the Prime Minister engaged in extensive discussions with ASEAN partners, focusing on reinforcing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and outlining its future trajectory. Emphasizing the pivotal role of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, the Prime Minister highlighted the convergence between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Additionally, he stressed the importance of promptly concluding the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA).

Prime Minister presented a comprehensive 12-point proposal aimed at enhancing India-ASEAN cooperation. These proposals encompassed areas such as connectivity, digital transformation, trade and economic collaboration, tackling contemporary challenges, fostering people-to-people contacts, and deepening strategic engagement. The proposals included initiatives like establishing a multi-modal connectivity corridor spanning South-East Asia-India-West Asia-Europe, sharing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners, creating an ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future, and supporting the Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged collective action to address issues affecting the Global South in multilateral forums, invited ASEAN nations to participate in the WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, and advocated collaboration on Mission LiFE. He offered to share India’s expertise in providing affordable and quality medicines through Jan-Aushadhi Kendras and called for a united effort against terrorism, terror financing, and cyber-disinformation. The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to ASEAN countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and called for increased cooperation in disaster management and maritime safety.

The Summit yielded two Joint Statements, one focusing on Maritime Cooperation and the other on Food Security.

In addition to leaders from India and ASEAN, Timor-Leste participated in the Summit as an Observer.

At the 18th East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister reiterated the significance of the EAS mechanism and expressed unwavering support for its strengthening. He emphasized India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and the importance of upholding a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister highlighted the alignment of India’s and ASEAN’s visions for the Indo-Pacific and stressed that ASEAN remains central to the Quad’s vision.

The Prime Minister called for a cooperative approach to address global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, resilient supply chains for essential items, and energy security. He underscored India’s efforts in the realm of climate change, including initiatives like ISA, CDRI, LiFE, and OSOWOG.

Leaders at the Summit also engaged in discussions on regional and international issues, further solidifying India’s diplomatic ties with its ASEAN and East Asian partners.