With India marking a decade of its Act East Policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to turn a new chapter at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vietnam. He will also be participating in the 19th East Asia Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
PM Modi will review progress in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and pave the way for the future direction of India’s cooperation. He said the East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
India to Push For Connectivity with ASEAN
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary East Jaideep Mazumdar said India places immense value on all ASEAN-related mechanisms. Touching on the ASEAN-India Summit theme of connectivity and resilience, the secretary said connectivity is a very important pillar of New Delhi’s engagement with ASEAN.
Mazumdar highlighted that connectivity is a very important pillar of India’s engagement with ASEAN. “We have direct flights with seven ASEAN countries and expect that before the end of the year, we will have direct flight connectivity with two more ASEAN countries.”
He added that ASEAN is among India’s top trade and investment partners.
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India with East Asia Summit to Strengthen Region
About the East Asia Summit, Mazumdar said it comprises 10 ASEAN countries and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Russia, as well as the United States. Bihar’s Nalanda University is also an East Asia Summit initiative and inaugurated its new campus.
He pointed out that East Asia Summit is a premier leaders-led forum that contributes to building an environment of strategic trust in the region.
