ASEAN centre point of India’s Act East Policy: PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the centre point of India's Act East Policy.

He made the remarks while addressing the ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Saying that the ASEAN region will also play a key role in India's Indo-Pacific initiative, he noted: "Even in an environment of global uncertainties, our mutual cooperation is making steady progress. This is a testimony to the strength and resilience of our ties.

VasudhaivaKutumbakam-One Earth, One Family, One Future-is the theme of India's G20 presidency."

The Prime Minister also said that India supports the regional bloc's outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

"Our (India-Indonesia) partnership is entering its fourth decade. At such a time, co-chairing the ASEAN-India Summit is a matter of pride for me.

"Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and shared belief in peace, prosperity, and a multipolar world also unify us," Modi observed.

He went on to say that ASEAN is the epicentre of growth and plays a crucial role in global development.

"The present global landscape is surrounded by challenging circumstances and uncertainties. Terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts are big challenges for all of us. Multilateralism and a rules-based international order are essential to countering them. It is imperative to adhere fully to international laws; everyone's commitment and joint efforts are also necessary to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, as today's era is not one of war," Modi said.

"Dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths to resolution," he added.

"The need of the hour is such that an Indo-Pacific exists where international law, including UNCLOS, is equally applicable to all countries, where there is freedom of navigation and overflight, and where there is unimpeded lawful commerce for the benefit of everyone. India believes that the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should be effective and in accordance with UNCLOS," the Prime Minister said, adding that it should take into consideration the interests of countries that are not directly involved in the discussions.

Modi further said that "challenges pertaining to climate change, cyber security, food security, health, and energy are particularly impacting the Global South. During our G20 presidency, we are focusing on these important issues related to the Global South".

On the situation prevailing in Myanmar, Modi said that India's policy takes into account ASEAN's views. (IANS)

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