Your Excellency, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone,

Your Majesty,

Excellencies,

Namaskar।

Today, I am honored to participate in this meeting for the eleventh time alongside the ASEAN family.

Ten years ago, I announced India’s ‘Act East’ policy. Over the past decade, this initiative has revitalized the historic ties between India and ASEAN countries, infusing them with renewed energy, direction, and momentum.

Giving importance to ASEAN centrality, we launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative in 2019. This initiative complements the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific."

Last year, we initiated maritime exercises to enhance regional security and stability.

Over the last 10 years, our trade with the ASEAN region has nearly doubled, surpassing USD 130 billion.

Today, India has direct flight connectivity with seven ASEAN countries, and soon, direct flights to Brunei will also commence.

Additionally, we have opened a new embassy in Timor-Leste.

In the ASEAN region, Singapore was the first country with which we established FinTech connectivity, and this success is now being emulated in other nations.

Our development partnership is founded on a people-centric approach. Over 300 ASEAN students have benefited from scholarships at Nalanda University. A Network of Universities has been launched.

We have also worked to preserve our shared heritage and legacy in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Whether during the COVID pandemic or in response to natural disasters, we have provided mutual assistance and fulfilled our humanitarian responsibilities.

Funds for collaboration in various sectors, including the Science and Technology Fund, Digital Fund, and Green Fund, have been established. India has contributed over USD 30 million to these initiatives. As a result, our cooperation now spans from underwater projects to space exploration. In other words, our partnership has significantly broadened in every aspect over the past decade.

And, it is a matter of great satisfaction that in 2022, we elevated it to the status of a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'

Friends,

We are neighbors, partners in the Global South, and a rapidly growing region in the world. We are peace-loving nations, that respect each other's national integrity and sovereignty, and we are committed to ensuring a bright future for our youth.

I believe that the 21st century is the "Asian Century," a century for India and ASEAN countries. Today, when there is conflict and tension in many parts of the world, the friendship, coordination, dialogue and cooperation between India and ASEAN are of utmost importance.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao P.D.R. for successful chairmanship of ASEAN.

I am confident that today’s meeting will bring new dimensions to the India-ASEAN partnership.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/SR/SKS