Strong ASEAN Can Play Constructive Role In Indo-Pacific: EAM Jaishankar

India and Asean are neighbours sharing millennia-old cultural and civilisational linkages and our relationship which has entered its fourth decade and has matured into a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ is based on shared values and common aspirations, EAM S Jaishankaer said at the ASEAN Future Forum virtually on Tuesday.

Asean is at the heart of our Act East Policy and is a crucial pillar in India’s wider Indo-Pacific vision and we support Asean unity, centrality and the Asean Outlook on Indo-Pacific, the minister said.

India believes that a strong and unified ASEAN can play a constructive role in the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific. The synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

India was among the first to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia indicating our collective resolve towards maintaining peace, prosperity and stability in the region. 

The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise was held in 2023 and the second edition is also to be held at a mutually convenient date. 

Our recent operations in the Red Sea area have rendered protection and support, and evacuation of crew, including of ASEAN Member States. As a net security provider and first responder, India’s initiative of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is aimed at contributing towards peace and stability in the region, Jaishankar added.

India and the ASEAN Member States are also working together under various sub-regional mechanisms, namely the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and the BIMSTEC.