PM Modi in Jakarta: 'ASEAN central pillar in India's Act East policy'

In his address at the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-India Summit in Jakarta on September 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the summit a "central pillar" for India's Act East policy.

"India supports ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific. While our partnership enters its fourth decade, ASEAN occupies a prominent place in India's Indo-Pacific initiative," he said.

Modi said that ASEAN is the epicentre of growth as it plays a crucial role in global development. "There has been consistent progress in our mutual cooperation in spite of an atmosphere of global uncertainty," he added.

Adding that it was an "honour" to co-chair the summit, PM Modi congratulated Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organising the event.

He said, "Our partnership has reached the fourth decade. It is an honour for me to co-chair this summit. I want to congratulate Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organising this summit..."

Widodo had invited Modi to attend the summit.

Modi also called for building a rules-based post-COVID world order and strengthening the voice of the Global South. Modi also underlined the need to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"The 21st century is Asia's century. It is our century. For this, it is necessary to build a rule-based post-COVID world order and efforts by all for human welfare," he said.

"The progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the voice of the Global South is in the common interest of all," he added.

It was the first summit between the two sides since the elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

"Today, even in an environment of global uncertainties, there is continuous progress in every field in our mutual cooperation. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship," he said.

ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries, including the US, China, Japan and Australia, are its dialogue partners.

After the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Modi will attend the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS).

Upon reaching Jakarta, PM Modi tweeted in Indonesian, "Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to ASEAN related meetings and working with various leaders for a better planet."

Modi's visit to Indonesia comes ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under India's Presidency this year. Indonesia is part of the G20 "troika" as it had the presidency of the grouping last year. PM Modi will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening.

New embassy in Timor-Leste

PM Modi also announced the opening of India's embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.

"Act East in action - Delhi to Dili! At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, PM @narendramodi announces decision to open our Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste," said spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi on X.

Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste, on the country's north coast. The city holds importance as it recalls the nation's struggles for independence from Portugal as well as Indonesia.

India was one of the early countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor Leste and was represented at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002 by a high-level delegation led by the then Minister of State for External Affairs. A memorandum of understanding formally establishing diplomatic relations was signed on January 24.

(With agency inputs)