September 7, 2023
Introduction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his “short but very productive visit” to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he participated in the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS). The visit, which aimed to forge stronger partnerships with ASEAN and EAS partners, yielded significant developments in various areas of cooperation.
Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Saurabh Kumar, took to social media to announce the successful conclusion of PM Modi’s visit. In a tweet, he stated, “PM Modi concludes his visit to Indonesia, forging stronger partnerships with ASEAN and EAS partners.”
During his visit, PM Modi emphasized the importance of amplifying the voice of the Global South, particularly within the G20 framework. His leadership in the G20 was acknowledged and welcomed by ASEAN leaders, who also extended their congratulations to India for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The visit included comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of topics, including connectivity, maritime cooperation, digital transformation, trade and the economy, environment, health, and traditional medicine. In each of these areas, Prime Minister Modi presented specific proposals outlined in a twelve-point proposal.
Two joint statements were issued between India and ASEAN, focusing on maritime cooperation and food security. The maritime cooperation agreement encompasses areas such as maritime safety and security, maritime domain awareness, disaster management, and the blue economy, among others.
PM’s Announcement
PM Modi also announced the establishment of an ASEAN India Fund for Digital Future, aimed at strengthening financial connectivity between ASEAN and India. He expressed support for ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia), an ASEAN think tank that will serve as a knowledge partner to further deepen ASEAN-India relations.
One of the key highlights of PM Modi’s visit was his call for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the central role of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability and prosperity.
Expressing his gratitude to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian people, PM Modi tweeted, “Had a very short but fruitful Indonesia visit, where I met ASEAN and other leaders. I thank President @jokowi, the Indonesian Government, and people for their welcome.”
Conclusion
With the successful conclusion of his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi will return to India, where he is set to host the G20 Summit in Delhi from September 8 to 10. The outcomes of his discussions in Jakarta are expected to contribute to the agenda of the upcoming G20 Summit, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering stronger regional and global partnerships.
