IANS | 23 Apr, 2024
Asserting that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or the
ASEAN, is at the heart of India's 'Act East' policy, External Affairs
Minister S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday that the time has come for the
Global South to present its perspective and assume a greater role in
international affairs.
Addressing the first ASEAN Future Forum -
initiated and hosted by Vietnam - virtually, EAM Jaishankar said that
the regional grouping also remains a "crucial pillar" in New Delhi's
wider Indo-Pacific vision.
"Today, a multipolar Asia and a
multipolar world are increasingly self-evident. This brings to the fore
an ever-important role of ASEAN and that of India in dealing with the
realities of the emerging world order. It underlies the need for greater
cooperation and coordination between India and ASEAN," the EAM said in
his remarks at the opening session of the forum titled 'Towards fast and
sustainable growth of a people-centered ASEAN Community'.
He
mentioned that India and ASEAN are neighbours, sharing millennia-old
cultural and civilisational linkages with the relationship having now
entered its fourth decade, maturing into a comprehensive strategic
partnership based on shared values and common aspirations.
He also
recalled that it was during India's G20 Presidency last year that New
Delhi hosted the Voice of Global South Summit with the participation of
several ASEAN member states.
"We support ASEAN unity, ASEAN
centrality, and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific. India truly
believes that a strong and unified ASEAN can play a constructive role in
the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar
said.
The Minister added that the synergy between India’s
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on
Indo-Pacific (AOIP) that is reflected in the ASEAN-India Leaders' Joint
Statement provides a strong framework for cooperation, including
addressing challenges to comprehensive security.
"We held the
first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in 2023 and we aim to hold the
second edition at a mutually convenient date. Our recent operations in
the Red Sea have rendered protection and support and evacuation of crew,
including that of ASEAN member states.
"As a net security
provider and a first responder, India's initiative of Security and
Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is aimed at contributing towards
peace and stability in the region. It is important that the freedom of
navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce are respected and
facilitated by all," said the EAM.
Earlier, ASEAN
Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the role of the ASEAN Future
Forum as a platform for ASEAN and its partners to share new ideas and
policy recommendations.
He stressed the timeliness of convening
such a forum for thinking through what lies ahead, particularly at this
juncture as ASEAN is working on an ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and
formulating its strategic plans.