NEW DELHI, November 11 – India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said he is looking forward to discussing with Asean leaders on how to take India-Asean relationship to a new level, which will supplement New Delhi’s deepening bilateral ties with each member.
The ten-nation Asean community has the third largest population; it would be the seventh largest economy in the world; and, the third fastest growing economic unit this century. Asean is India’s continental and maritime neighbour, linked by centuries-old ties.
“Asean is at the core of our Act East Policy and at the centre of our dream of an Asian century, characterised by cooperation and integration. I am looking forward to discussing with Asean leaders how to take our relationship to a new level, which will supplement our deepening bilateral ties with each member,” said Modi who will be attending the India-Asean Summit and East Asia Summit on Nov 12-13 in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw.
“No region in the world embodies so much dynamism or faces so many challenges as the region spanning the Indian Ocean, continental Asia and Pacific Ocean. And, no other forum, perhaps, has as much potential to shape this region and the world’s future as the East Asia Summit.”
At the East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister said he is looking forward to discussing with Asean and seven global leaders how “we can strengthen regional institutions, international norms and regional cooperation in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”
From Myanmar, Modi will be heading to Australia for the G20 Summit in Brisbane as well as working visit to Fiji Islands. The G20 Summit, which brings together countries that account for 85 per cent of the world’s economic output, is a key forum for countries to coordinate their activities and pursue collective action to support global economic growth and stability, stable financial markets and global trading regimes and employment generation, he said.
“I also intend to discuss how we can accelerate the creation of next generation infrastructure, which also includes digital infrastructure, and ensure access to clean and affordable energy. A key issue for me would be to highlight the importance of international cooperation against black money,” he said.
– BERNAMA
