ASEAN remains crucial component of India's Act East Policy: PM Modi

In his opening remarks while co-chairing the 16th ASEAN-India Summit here, Mr Modi welcomed the synergy in views and outlook between India and ASEAN on Indo Pacific and said India's Act East Policy too has a specific focus on Indo Pacific.

He congratulated Vietnam for being selected as the chair to lead and guide ASEAN next year.

"An integrated, well organised and progressive ASEAN is always in India's interest. We should better and enhanced surface, maritime and air connectivity and digital links," he said, adding that India is committed to further strengthen the partnership.

The Prime Minister underlined the need for boosting ties in sectors such as maritime security and Blue Economy and people to people coordination and mutual help.

"Our focus should be on research and business promotion and to boost tourism to facilitate more people to people level contacts," Mr Modi said.

"To achieve this, we are going to strengthen the partnership further," Mr Modi said.

He also said implementation of the decisions taken in last year's meetings has further strengthened the India-ASEAN partnership.

Mr Modi is on a three-day visit to Bangkok since Saturday and besides the ASEAN-India Summit, he will also attend East Asia Summit and the crucial third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.