PM Modi underscored the importance of resilient supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a contribution of $ 1 million to ASEAN’s COVID-19 Response Fund at the 17th ASEAN-India Summit, which took place virtually.
In his address to the leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India’s response and wider support to the international community and praised the association’s initiatives to fight the pandemic.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), “On COVID-19, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s response and wider support to the international community and welcomed the initiatives of the ‘ASEAN to fight the pandemic. Prime Minister announced a contribution of US $ 1 million to ASEAN’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of greater physical connectivity and digital between ASEAN and India and reiterated India’s offer of US $ 1 billion Credit to support ASEAN connectivity. “
On trade and investment, PM Modi underscored the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery.
The MEA statement added that the Prime Minister stressed the central role of ASEAN in India’s policy towards the Eastern Act while addressing the ASEAN-India summit.
He noted that a cohesive, responsive and prosperous ASEAN was at the heart of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and contributed to security and growth for all in the region (SAGAR). The Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the convergence between the Indian Initiative on the Indo-Pacific Oceans and the ASEAN Perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, in order to ensure a free, open Indo-Pacific region, inclusive and rules-based. He also called on the ASEAN countries to cooperate on the different pillars of India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI), ”MEA said.
During the Summit, ASEAN leaders recognized India’s contribution to promoting peace and stability in the region and praised India’s support for the centrality of ASEAN. The leaders also welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN-India action plan for 2021-2025, the MEA said in its statement.
He added: “Discussions also focused on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including the South China Sea and terrorism.” Both sides noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region, including respecting international law, particularly UNCLOS. “
The leaders affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, the MEA added.
