Jakarta (TIP)- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, September 7, said that ASEAN is a “central pillar of India‘s ‘Act East’ policy” and emphasized the group’s role in India’s “Indo-Pacific strategy”. PM Modi also underlined India’s full support for ASEAN centrality and called for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific as he met leaders of the 10-member bloc at the ASEAN-India summit in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
The Prime Minister’s remarks assume significance amid growing concerns among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over China‘s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, an important trade corridor in which several member-nations have claims that conflict with Beijing’s. The term ‘ASEAN centrality’ calls for the dominant Southeast Asian platform to overcome common challenges and engage with external powers.
PM Modi’s strong remarks came a day after China warned against a ‘new Cold War’ in ASEAN.
“Need of the hour is an Indo-Pacific where international law applies equally to all countries,” PM Modi said at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit
He further said, “Current global scenario is surrounded by difficult circumstances and uncertainties” and told the ASEAN leaders that “terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts are big challenges for all of us”.
“We also share common values, such as democracy, secularism, and respect for human rights. Along with shared values, regional unity, peace, prosperity and mutual trust in a multipolar world also bind us together,” PM Modi said.
He called for “multilateralism and rules-based international order” and said they are “important to face various global challenges”. Prime Minister also highlighted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the bilateral bloc has injected new dynamism into the relations.
“ASEAN matters because here everyone’s voice is heard and ASEAN is epicentre of growth because ASEAN plays an important role in global growth,” Prime Minister added.
Sharing a group photograph of ASEAN leaders on X, PM Modi wrote, “The ASEAN-India Summit is testament to our shared vision and collaboration for a better future. We look forward to working together in futuristic sectors which will enhance human progress.”
CHINA’S ‘COLD WAR’ REMARK
PM Modi declaration of full support for the ASEAN centrality assumes strategic importance as concern about China’s increasingly assertive activity in the South China Sea, a vital trade route where several ASEAN members have claims that conflict with China, was high on agenda of the Jakarta summit. On Wednesday, addressing the summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said it is important to avoid a “new Cold War” when dealing with conflicts between countries. He said, countries needed to “appropriately handle differences and disputes”. “At present, it is very important to oppose taking sides, bloc confrontation and a new Cold War,” Chinese Premier said.