18TH INDIA-ASEAN & 16TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 28, 2021, has addressed the 18th India-ASEAN Summit virtually at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei. The Heads of State and Government of the ASEAN Countries will also attend the Summit. At the 18th ASEAN-India Summit, PM Modi will review the status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take cognizance of the COVID-19 pandemic, education and culture, and trade and commerce. Significant international and regional developments including post-pandemic economic recovery will also be discussed.
PM NARENDRA MODI AT 18TH INDIA-ASEAN SUMMIT
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, all of us had to face a lot of challenges. This challenging time also tested the India-ASEAN partnership. Our mutual cooperation in the COVID era will keep strengthening our relations in the future. It will make the base for goodwill between our people. In 2022, the India-ASEAN partnership will complete 30 years. India will also complete 75 years of its independence. We will celebrate this significant milestone as ASEAN-India Friendship Year. The special role of ASEAN is deeply rooted in India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy. India’s Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative and ASEAN’s Outlook for the Indo-Pacific are the frameworks for our shared vision and mutual cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi also called for an early review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the goods that India has been seeking for Indian businesses to gain better access to markets in the ASEAN region. The approval by ASEAN for reviewing FTA is significant for India to aid Indian businesses in matters related to non-tariff barriers.
INDIA-ASEAN SUMMIT - BACKGROUND
PM Modi had attended the 17th ASEAN-India Summit virtually in November 2020. ASEAN-India summits are held annually to provide an opportunity for India and ASEAN leaders to engage at the highest level. The ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership is based on shared historical, geographical, and civilizational ties. In 2022, the ASEAN-India relations will complete 30 years. India became a Sectoral Partner of ASEAN in 1992, a Dialogue Partner in 1996, and a Summit level Partner in 2002. ASEAN is central to India's Act East Policy and the wider vision of the Indo-Pacific region. India and ASEAN partnership conducts various dialogue systems such as a Summit, Ministerial and Senior Officials meetings. In August 2021, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar attended the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting virtually. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel attended the ASEAN Economic Ministers + India Consultations in September 2021 virtually.
When was the first India-ASEAN Summit held?
The first India-ASEAN Summit was convened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2002. Then-Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee had attended the First India-ASEAN Summit.
PM MODI AT 16TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT 2021
PM Narendra Modi participated in 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Sultan of Brunei through video conference on October 27, 2021. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region during the summit. During his address at the East Asia Summit, PM Modi emphasised on the importance of a resilient global value chain and reiterated India's commitment to providing Quad-sponsored vaccines to Indo-Pacific countries. The Prime Minister also recalled India’s support of USD 1 million to the ASEAN COVID-19 Recovery Fund. He also raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security.
16TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT: KEY HIGHLIGHTS
PM Modi highlighted the importance of setting up a resilient global value chain and a better balance between economy, ecology and climate sustainable lifestyle. He highlighted the need for development of global standards on cyber security and emphasised on maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the East Asia Summit as the premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific that brings together nations to discuss important strategic issues. PM Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccination and medical supplies & also elaborated upon the centre's "Atmanirbhar Bharat” Campaign, which was launched to enable post-pandemic recovery and ensure resilient global value chains.
16TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT: CONCLUSION
All the participation leaders in the 16th East Asia Summit adopted three statements co-sponsored by India on:
- Mental Health
- Economic recovery through Tourism
- Sustainable Recovery
Overall, the East Asia Summit 2021 witnessed a fruitful exchange of views between the Indian Prime Minister and other participating leaders.
16TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT: KEY FACTS
The 16th East Asia Summit included discussions over matters of regional and international concern including maritime security, South China Sea, Indo Pacific region, terrorism and Covid-19 cooperation. The summit was hosted by Brunei, which is the current chair of East Asia Summit and ASEAN. The Summit saw participation from leaders from 10 ASEAN member states and others including India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and Australia. The East Asia Summit, which was set up in 2005, is a regional forum that convenes annually. It was attended initially by leaders of 16 countries that are located in East Asia, South Asia and Oceania but the membership expanded to 18 countries including the United States and Russia at the 2011 East Asia Summit. India is one of the founding members of the East Asia Summit. The nation is committed to enhancing the strength of the forum and increasing its efficiency in dealing with contemporary challenges.
Background: The East Asia Summit is held after the annual ASEAN leaders' meeting. ASEAN play a central role in the forum since its establishment. The first-ever East Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 14, 2005. East Asia Summit is an important platform for enhancing practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by building upon the convergence between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI).
TEST YOURSELF
Q.1 Which of the following has led the Indian Delegation at the 18th INDIA-ASEAN summit 2021?
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
- Foreign Secy. Harshvardhan Shringla
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: ANSWER
- None of the following
Q.2 The first India-ASEAN Summit was convened in __________ in November 2002 which was attended by the then-Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee?
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia: ANSWER
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New Delhi, India
Q.3 Which of the following nations have hosted the 16th East Asia summit & also the current chair of East Asia Summit and ASEAN?
- Singapore
- Brunei: ANSWER
- Cambodia
- Thailand
Q.4 Which of the following statements is/are correct in context of the objectives of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- To increase competition among the members countries for better products.
- To integrate the economies of the region to make region more attractive for investors
- To promote economic cooperation in the South East Asia and ensure economic stability in the region.
- I & II follows
- Only III follows
- II & III follows: ANSWER
- None of the above
Q.5 Which of the following statements is/are correct about the ASEAN plus Three & ASEAN plus Six?
- ASEAN Plus Three consists of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea
- ASEAN Plus Three formed to counterbalance the growing US influence in Asia-Pacific.
- ASEAN Plus Six consists of ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and India.
- All of the above: ANSWER
