Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New Delhi, on Friday.
Jaishankar expressed confidence in the progress of the ASEAN-Bharat comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of ASEAN-Bharat meetings in Bharat’s diplomatic agenda.
During the meeting, EAM highlighted the importance of ASEAN in Bharat’s Act East Policy and its vision for the broader Indo-Pacific region. He urged the delegation to focus on crucial matters and achieve specific outcomes, including the timely completion of the review of the ASEAN-Bharat Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and addressing regional issues of mutual interest.
Delighted to receive ASEAN Senior Officials in New Delhi this afternoon.
Glad to be apprised of the progress in our cooperation The ASEAN-India meetings are a significant feature of India’s diplomatic calendar.
Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will grow… pic.twitter.com/5GY0yRg22l
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 3, 2024
Last month, Jaishankar noted the potential for enhanced cooperation between Bharat and ASEAN countries, stressing their role in shaping the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
He reiterated Bharat’s support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific during a virtual address at the first ASEAN Future Forum.
The synergy between Bharat’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) was highlighted as a strong framework for cooperation, addressing comprehensive security challenges.
Bharat actively participates in various ASEAN-led frameworks, including the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting+ (ADMM+), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) meetings and supporting processes.
The meeting between External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and ASEAN senior officials signifies Bharat’s commitment to deepening its engagement with ASEAN countries. Both sides aim to strengthen bilateral ties, promote regional stability, and contribute to the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
The ASEAN-Bharat comprehensive strategic partnership covers a wide range of areas, including political, security, economic, socio-cultural cooperation, and connectivity initiatives. Through collaborative efforts, both ASEAN and Bharat seek to address common challenges and capitalize on shared opportunities for mutual benefit.
Bharat’s active involvement in ASEAN-led frameworks underscores its commitment to regional integration and cooperation. As Bharat continues to prioritize its engagement with ASEAN, the partnership is expected to flourish further, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific area and beyond.
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