External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with foreign affairs and strategy experts at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Thursday 7 November. Photo credit: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday (November 8, 2024) that India and ASEAN are major populous countries and their cooperation is important to address contemporary issues, ensure food and health security, and address political challenges in shared regions such as Myanmar Crucial.
Mr. Jaishankar made the remarks at the 8th ASEAN-India Think Tank Network Roundtable – “Navigating a Transforming World: ASEAN-India Cooperation Agenda.”
“India and ASEAN are both populous countries and their emerging needs can not only support each other but also become stronger productive forces in the international economy,” said Jaishankar, who is on a one-day visit here.
He said that ASEAN and India together account for more than a quarter of the world’s population.
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
“Our consumer demand and lifestyle choices are major economic drivers in their own right. As we boost trade, travel, mobility and education, they will also shape the scale of services and connectivity. The scale of our efforts resonates Well beyond the immediate realm,” he said.
He added: “Cooperation is also crucial to address contemporary challenges. In an era of frequent extreme climate events, ensuring food security is a major issue. Likewise, based on the experience of global pandemics, preparing for health security is equally important.
Jaishankar said that in shared areas such as Myanmar, India and ASEAN must work together to address political challenges.
“The classic example today is the situation in Myanmar. I dare say that the interests and perspectives of those close to us… are always difficult,” he said.
“We don’t have enough distance or time. This is also increasingly the case with HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) situations and maritime safety and security,” he stressed.
Jaishankar called for a stronger self-help culture, which can only be achieved by “brainstorming”.
He said the ties between India and ASEAN are rooted in deep cultural and civilizational ties and nurturing, which are valuable in themselves.
The minister highlighted India’s contribution in heritage restoration and preservation of art forms in recent years.
He said India’s partnership with ASEAN, now in its fourth decade, holds huge possibilities.
“Bilateral and trilateral contacts have enhanced our close relations,” he said.
The minister cited the Mekong-Gangetic cooperation and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as examples that are making an impact.
As the Indo-Pacific region evolves, India has been clear in its support for the centrality and cohesion of ASEAN.
“India’s respect for international law, rules and norms is equally clear in manner and substance, as India’s convergence has only increased over the past four decades. This is the basis on which we can achieve our lofty ambitions.
Published – November 8, 2024 at 12:32 pm (IST)
