In his opening remarks on Sept. 7, at the annual ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, which he co-chaired with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that “ASEAN matters because here everyone’s voice is heard and ASEAN is the epicenter of growth because the ASEAN region plays a crucial role in global development.”
It is therefore necessary, he said, to create a “rules-based post-Covid international order and efforts by all for human welfare,” stressing that “progress toward a free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the voice of the Global South is in the interest of all.” India is committed to working “shoulder to shoulder” with ASEAN, as it holds a prominent place in India’s Indo-Pacific Initiative, he added.
The 21st century, the Prime Minister said, “is Asia’s century. It is our century…. 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.” Noting that India’s relationship with ASEAN has risen to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership since last year, Modi stressed that today, “even in an environment of global uncertainties, there is continuous progress in every field in our mutual cooperation. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship.”
