’21st Century Belongs to Asia’, Says PM Modi at ASEAN-India Summit

"21st century belongs to Asia and belongs to us all," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday in the presence of ASEAN leaders where he emphasised the importance of a rule-based world order.

Delivering his opening remarks at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in the capital city of Indonesia, PM Modi 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."

"Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and a multipolar world also unite us. ASEAN is the central pillar of India's Act East Policy. India supports ASEAN's outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and Indo-Pacific," he added.

PM Modi landed in Jakarta earlier today to attend the ASEAN-India and the East Asia summits during which he will engage with the leaders of the strategically important region.

This year, Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN. The theme of their chairship is 'ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth'. Within this framework, Indonesia organised a flagship event, 'ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum', to implement the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.."

Speaking on the theme of the summit, PM Modi said, "ASEAN matters because here everyone's voice is heard and ASEAN is epicentrum of growth because ASEAN plays an important role in global growth."

Earlier today, PM Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Jakarta International Airport as began his short but important trip to the Southeast Asian country. Given that the G20 summit follows shortly after the ASEAN Summits, it will be a short visit. Immediately after the meetings in Jakarta, PM Modi will return to Delhi, where India is hosting the G20 on September 9 and 10.

Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the ASEAN has injected new dynamism into the group's ties with New Delhi.

Shortly after he landed, Modi arrived at the hotel in Jakarta where members of the Indian diaspora greeted and shook hands with the PM. In the capital city of Indonesia, Modi will attend the ASEAN-India Summit and will take part in the East Asia Summit. In his departure statement, Modi said engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy.

After the ASEAN-India Summit, the Prime Minister will attend the 18th East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister earlier said he looks forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges.

The India-ASEAN summit holds greater significance this year since it is the first one after the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which happened last year.(ANI)