Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 16th East Asia Summit yesterday via video conference. It was hosted by Brunei and saw the participation of leaders from the ASEAN countries and Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, US and India.
In his remarks at the Summit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of East Asia Summit as the premier leaders-led forum in Indo-Pacific, bringing together nations to discuss important strategic issues. Mr Modi 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.
The Prime Minister emphasized on the maintaining of a better balance between economy and ecology and climate sustainable lifestyle. The Summit also discussed important regional and international issues including Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, UNCLOS, terrorism, and situation in Korean Peninsula and Myanmar. Mr Modi reaffirmed “ASEAN centrality” in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
The East Asia Summit, 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 Narendra Modi and other EAS leaders.