External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said today that India truly believes that a strong and unified Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) can play a constructive role in the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the First ASEAN Future Forum virtually, Dr. Jaishankar said that the synergy between ‘India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’ (IIPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) provides a strong framework of cooperation, including and addressing challenges to comprehensive security.
He further added that ASEAN is at the heart of India’s Act East policy and is a crucial pillar in India’s wider Indo-Pacific mission. He emphasized that the time has come for the global south to present its perspective and assume a greater role in international affairs. The External Affairs Minister remarked that it is vital that freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce are respected and facilitated by all. Highlighting the role of QUAD, Dr. Jaishankar said that QUAD leaders have been consistent in extending their unwavering support for ASEAN centrality.
