ASEAN Is The Central Pillar Of India's Act East Policy: PM Modi In Jakarta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that ASEAN is the central pillar of India's Act East Policy.

"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," the PM said at the 20th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta.

"Our (India-Indonesia) partnership is entering its fourth decade. At such a time, co-chairing the ASEAN-India Summit is a matter of pride for me", he stated.

"This year's theme is ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. ASEAN matters because here everyone's voice is heard & ASEAN is epicentrum of growth because ASEAN plays an important role in global growth", the Prime Minister said.

He further added, "Last year we celebrated the India-ASEAN friendship day & gave it a form of comprehensive strategic partnership. 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".

After the ASEAN summit, PM Modi is scheduled to participate in the East Asia Summit.