Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN is based on shared historical, geographical, and cultural heritage and it has always been the core of India’s Act East Policy.
In his opening remarks at the 17th ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN is based on shared historical, geographical, and cultural heritage and it has always been the core of India’s Act East Policy.
"It is of prime importance for us to improve physical, economic, societal, digital, financial and maritime connections between India and ASEAN. We’ve come closer in these sectors in the last couple of years and I believe this summit will go further to bridge gaps," PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi along with Vietnamese counterpart HE Nguyen Xuan Phuc, co-chaired the 17th ASEAN-India Summit. The leaders of all ten ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are participating in the virtual summit to review the status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take stock of progress made in key areas such as connectivity, maritime cooperation, trade and commerce, education and capacity building.
Noting that there are many similarities between India’s ‘Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative’ and ASEAN’s ‘Outlook on Indo Pacific’, he said, "Strategic Partnership of India and ASEAN is based on our shared historical, geographical and cultural heritage. ASEAN has always been the core of our Act East Policy. There are many similarities between India’s 'Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative' and ASEAN's ‘Outlook on Indo Pacific’.
"Like every year, we could not take our traditional photos holding hands but still glad to be able to meet virtually. Our priority is to increase every type of connectivity between India and ASEAN. Today's talks will be beneficial in reducing the distance between us," added PM Modi.
(With agency inputs)
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