Jakarta: On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the profound significance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a vital pillar underpinning India's Act East Policy. During his address at the opening session of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference in Jakarta, EAM emphasized the crucial role played by ASEAN in the dynamic evolution of the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting ASEAN's pivotal role in India's Act East policy and its broader vision for the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar stressed the paramount importance of a strong and unified ASEAN in shaping the emerging dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. India unequivocally supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Engaging with the Indian community, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar drew attention to the striking parallels between India and Indonesia concerning their struggle for independence and subsequent development. He highlighted the shared historical timeframe during which both nations fought for freedom and experienced significant mutual empathy and support within their respective societies.
Moreover, S Jaishankar acknowledged the existence of a deep emotional bond that characterizes the relationship between India and Indonesia.
"As we gaze upon each other, India and Indonesia, there exists a profoundly natural sense of attachment. This emotional connection, in many ways, serves as a remarkable asset in strengthening this relationship," added Jaishankar.
India's active participation in the ASEAN-centric regional architecture exemplifies its unwavering commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region.
Following his visit to Jakarta, the External Affairs Minister will subsequently travel to Bangkok, Thailand, to partake in the 12th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism on July 16, 2023.
The Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) stands as a longstanding mechanism in the lower Mekong region, guided by India's Act East Policy.
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