New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and emphasized on the importance of resilient global value chain, in his speech at the 16th East Asia Summit.
Participating through video conference in the summit, that was hosted by Brunei as the EAS and ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister also reiterated Indias commitment to provide the Quad sponsored vaccines to the Indo-Pacific countries.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of EAS as the premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific, bringing together nations to discuss important strategic issues.
He highlighted India’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccines and medical supplies. He also spoke about “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Campaign for post-pandemic recovery and in ensuring resilient global value chains. He emphasized on the establishment of a better balance between economy and ecology and climate sustainable lifestyle, a press statement said.
PM Modi raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security, and extended best wishes to Cambodia as the incoming chair of the EAS.
The summit saw the participation of leaders from ASEAN countries and other EAS Participating Countries including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA and India. India has been an active participant of EAS.
This was Prime Minister’s 7th East Asia Summit.
The 16th EAS also discussed important regional and international issues including the Indo-Pacifc, South China Sea, UNCLOS, terrorism, and situation in Korean Peninsula and Myanmar. PM reaffirmed “ASEAN centrality” in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The EAS leaders adopted three Statements on Mental Health, Economic recovery through Tourism and Sustainable Recovery, which have been co-sponsored by India. Overall, the Summit saw a fruitful exchange of views between Prime Minister and other EAS leaders.
