ASEAN-India Summit PM Modi participates in 17th ASEAN-India Summit, calls for cooperation in fighting Covid-19 pandemic
New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday participated in the 17th ASEAN-India Summit at the invitation of the of his Vietnam counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc where he stressed on leveraging strong ASEAN-India ties in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Vietnam is the current Chair of ASEAN. The Summit, which saw the participation of Leaders of all ten ASEAN Member States, was held online.
Speaking at the Summit, PM Modi underlined the centrality of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy, which is a key pillar of our foreign policy.
He noted that a cohesive, responsive and prosperous ASEAN is central to India's Indo-Pacific Vision and contributes to Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of strengthening convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
He invited the ASEAN countries to take the lead on various pillars of our Oceans Initiative.
On COVID-19, the Prime Minister stressed on leveraging strong ASEAN-India ties in the fight against the pandemic.
He welcomed ASEAN's initiatives to fight the pandemic and announced a contribution of USD 1 million to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. He underlined the importance of cooperation and regular exchanges in the field of traditional medicines as a source of healthy and holistic living.
Prime Minister underscored the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity between ASEAN and India and re-iterated India's offer of USD 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN connectivity. On digital connectivity, he noted the organisation of the ASEAN-India Hackathon.
On trade and investment, the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) has been long pending.
The Prime Minister called for an early review of the Agreement. He underlined the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery.
On their part, the ASEAN leaders spoke of India as a long term friend and dynamic partner.
They acknowledged India’s contribution in the region towards promoting peace and stability and welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality. India's capacity building initiatives including the PhD Fellowship Programme at IITs and setting up of Centres for Excellence in Software Development and Training in CLMV countries were appreciated.
ASEAN leaders welcomed India’s role in enhancing digital and physical connectivity in the region.
ASEAN Leaders also underlined the convergence between ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The Leaders welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025.
ASEAN and India became Summit-level partners in 2002, and Strategic partners in 2012.
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