AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India was committed to work with ASEAN nations to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain. Mr Modi said, India shared the ASEAN vision for rule based societies and value of peace.
Addressing the plenary session of the India-ASEAN commemorative summit in New Delhi this evening, he said, the nature of ASEAN-India partnership has evolved significantly and our trade has grown 25 times in 25 years. He said, investments are robust and growing and India will further enhance trade ties and work towards greater interaction among the business communities.
Speaking on the occasion Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, India has cultural links with South East Asia and its ties are very significant. He said, India participation in region’s affairs is important. The Singaporean Prime Minister said, digital connectivity is necessary among ASEAN nations. The theme of the summit is Shared Values, Common Destiny. All ten heads of ASEAN nations were present on the occasion.
In the day, Prime Minister Modi met with ASEAN Heads of State and Governments at leaders’ retreat session at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The theme of the retreat was Maritime Cooperation and Security. They had frank discussion during the retreat.
Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind said that India’s Act East policy reinforces its ancient links with Southeast Asia through enhanced political, security, economic and cultural ties. Speaking after receiving ASEAN leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr Kovind said, India greatly values ASEAN’s role as a proponent of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
He said, India reiterates its support to ASEAN’s unity and centrality and it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with ASEAN in pursuit of a rules-based regional architecture that is open, inclusive, balanced and equitable. The President said, India-ASEAN relations have come a long way since India established the Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN in 1992. He said, today ASEAN is a Strategic Partner for India and there is 30 dialogue mechanisms between India and ASEAN.
The President said, India and ASEAN are bound by history and by geography. He said, culture, commerce and connectivity and ideas and thought have woven India and ASEAN together in one common fabric.
He said, the partnership is based on the shared heritage and is built on the foundation of strong people to people contacts, nurtured through the millennia.
The President also hosted a lunch in the honour of the ASEAN leaders.
In the night, Prime Minister Modi will have a last bilateral of the day with President of Indonesia Mr. JokoWidodo.