Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is bustling with preparations for the upcoming 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit, both scheduled for Thursday, September 7th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commence his visit to Indonesia on Wednesday in anticipation of attending these important gatherings.

The ASEAN, comprising ten member nations including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, will be at the center of discussions. Last August, ASEAN-India Economic Ministers convened in Indonesia, with a primary focus on the comprehensive review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), originally signed in 2009. Reports suggest that a joint committee reached an agreement to conduct regular quarterly negotiations aimed at concluding the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2025.

Back in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation from Indonesian President Widodo, leading to Modi's visit to Jakarta. During this visit, both leaders affirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation across various domains, culminating in the establishment of a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This initiative aimed to usher in a new era of bilateral relations between Indonesia and India.

Prime Minister Modi is all set to embark on a two-day visit to Indonesia on September 6-7, where he will participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as confirmed by the External Affairs Ministry.

This upcoming ASEAN-India Summit holds particular significance, being the first one following India's elevation of its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The summit's agenda includes an assessment of the current state of India-ASEAN relations and the formulation of future cooperative strategies, as stated by the foreign ministry.

The East Asia Summit, as described in an official release, will provide a platform for leaders from ASEAN member countries and their eight dialogue partners, including India, to engage in discussions about regional and global challenges, thus fostering invaluable exchange of perspectives.

PM Modi's Two-Day Visit to Indonesia for ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits