Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the 21st century as "Asia's century", as he called for further deepening of the strategic ties between New Delhi and the southeast Asian grouping.
Addressing the 20th ASEAN-India Summit on the margins of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, the Indian Prime Minister expressed confidence that the "extensive discussions" between the two sides would lead to "new resolutions".
"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," Modi stated.
"The progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the Voice of Global South is in the common interest of all," the Indian leader also underlined in his opening statement.
Modi noted that India and ASEAN were connected through a shared history and geography.
He reckoned that the relationship has been underpinned by shared values and "regional unity".
"Peace, prosperity, and a shared belief in a multipolar world also binds us together," the Indian PM stressed.
"ASEAN holds a prominent place in India's Indo-Pacific initiative," the PM emphasized.
The Indian Prime Minister noted in his address that inspite of “global uncertainties” in the post-pandemic era, ties between India and southeast Asia were continuously progressing.
“This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship,” Modi said, adding that ASEAN played a “crucial role in global development”.
India, ASEAN to Intensify Relations
A statement by ASEAN on Thursday said that both the sides have committed to further intensify ties and “welcomed the adoption” of the “Annex to the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2021-2025)”.
It noted that the meeting between southeast Asian leaders and Modi reviewed the progress made under the CSP in order to further boost cooperation.
India and ASEAN have also adopted the “ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation” at the meeting, it said.
Both the sides have also adopted a joint statement on food security, according to officials.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi announced that India will open an embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, as told by PM Modi to the ASEAN leaders during their talks.
Timor-Leste is participating in the ASEAN Summit for the first time as an “observer” country.