English translation of prime minister Shri Narendra Modi’s inaugural address at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit at Vientiane, Lao PDR
Your Excellency, Prime Minister Sonexe Sifandon,
Your glory
Your majesty
Hello.
Today, I am proud to participate in this meeting with the ASEAN family for the 11th time.
Ten years ago, I announced India’s ‘Act East’ policy. Over the last decade, this initiative has revived the historic ties between India and the ASEAN nations and promoted them in new energy, direction and momentum.
“We launched the Indo-Pacific initiative in 2019 with an emphasis on ASEAN centrality. This initiative complements the “ASEAN vision in the Indo-Pacific region”.
Last year, we started maritime exercises to enhance regional security and stability.
In the last 10 years, our trade with the ASEAN region has almost doubled, crossing $130 billion.
Today, India has direct air connectivity with seven ASEAN countries and will soon have direct air services to Brunei.
In addition, we have opened a new embassy in Timor-Leste.
Singapore T.T. in the ASEAN region.
Funds have been set up for cooperation in various areas including science and technology fund
Whether it is during the Covid pandemic or in dealing with natural disasters, we have provided mutual assistance and fulfilled our humanitarian responsibilities.
Funds have been set up for cooperation in various areas including science and technology fund, digital fund and green fund. India has contributed over USD 30 million to the initiative. As a result, our cooperation now extends from submerged projects to space research. That is, in the last decade, our partnership has expanded considerably in all aspects.
And it is a matter of great satisfaction that in 2022, we have given it the status of ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.
Friends,
We are neighbours, partners in the Global South and the fastest growing region in the world. We are peace-loving nations that respect each other’s national integrity and sovereignty and we are committed to ensuring a bright future for our youth.
I believe that the 21st century is the “Asian century”, a century. read more
