India Reinforces Commitment To ASEAN At Vientiane Summit

At the ASEAN meeting in Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's priority on political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN, highlighting its significance in India's Act East policy. He acknowledged ASEAN's achievements and urged continued high ambitions, while reaffirming commitment to the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at the ASEAN meeting in Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN on Friday. Jaishankar emphasized the bloc’s pivotal role in India’s Act East policy and the broader Indo-Pacific vision, noting the importance of people-to-people linkages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored this priority with his visit to Jakarta last year, just before India’s G20 summit. Jaishankar said Modi’s 12-point plan for ASEAN has been largely implemented, indicating the deepening cooperation. Despite ASEAN’s substantial achievements, he called for maintaining high ambitions for future collaboration.

Jaishankar extended his gratitude to Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan for his support and anticipated close cooperation with the forthcoming country coordinator, the Philippines’ Enrique Manalo. He also congratulated Lao PDR for its ASEAN chairmanship and welcomed Timor-Leste as a new observer, announcing an Indian embassy in Delhi soon.

During the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India, Jaishankar lauded the strengthened ASEAN-India relations through the ASEAN India Plan of Action. The meeting reinforced their commitment to enhance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), focusing on robust implementation and development of guiding documents for future collaboration. Ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.