New Delhi: In a surprise early-morning arrival in Jakarta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a crucial visit to Indonesia. His agenda includes participation in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit, both taking place in the Indonesian capital. During these high-stakes gatherings, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing India-ASEAN maritime security cooperation is poised to be unveiled, according to sources familiar with the matter.

PM Modi’s anticipation

Upon landing in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi expressed his eagerness for the ASEAN-related meetings and the opportunity to collaborate with global leaders for the betterment of the planet.

Indonesia’s role as ASEAN Chair

Indonesia is hosting these significant summits as the current Chair of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), an influential regional grouping. Notably, India, alongside nations like the US, China, Japan, and Australia, holds the status of a dialogue partner with ASEAN.

Focus on trade and security

Prime Minister Modi’s engagements with ASEAN leaders will center on strengthening India’s trade and security ties with the influential bloc. The External Affairs Ministry underscores the importance of these gatherings as opportunities to engage in crucial discussions on regional and global matters.

Review and direction

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that PM Modi will assess the progress in ASEAN-India relations and provide strategic direction during the summit. Due to the upcoming G20 summit, this visit will be relatively short, with the Prime Minister returning to India on the evening of September 7.

Addressing concerns

Regarding the contentious issue of China’s release of a “new standard” map that claims territories like Taiwan, the South China Sea, Arunachal Pradesh, and Aksai Chin, Kumar noted that it’s challenging to predict specific discussions during the summit. However, he acknowledged that issues of mutual concern, both regional and international, are expected to be addressed.

Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to the ASEAN related meetings and to working with various leaders for making a better planet. pic.twitter.com/aKpwLnk3ky

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2023

Strengthened ties

This ASEAN-India summit holds special significance as it follows the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year. India’s relationship with ASEAN forms a central pillar of its Act East policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific.

Economic ties

The economic dimension of India-ASEAN ties is growing, with trade volume reaching USD 131.5 billion in 2022-23. India and ASEAN have initiated a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more favorable and diverse by 2025.

ASEAN member nations

The ASEAN bloc comprises ten member nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The relationship between India and ASEAN has strengthened significantly, focusing on trade, investment, security, and defense cooperation in recent years.