New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 27) participated in the 16th East Asia Summit via video conference. In his speech on occasion, Mr Modi emphasised the importance of a resilient global value chain. He reiterated India's commitment to providing Quad sponsored vaccines to Indo-Pacific countries.
According to sources, among other points in his address, the PM recalled India's 1 million US dollar support to the ASEAN COVID-19 Recovery Fund.
He also stressed the importance of Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific and raised the idea of developing global standards for cyber security. Mr Modi extended best wishes to Cambodia as incoming chair of the East Asia Summit.
Brunei, as EAS and ASEAN Chair, hosted the 16th East Asia Summit. It saw the participation of leaders from ASEAN countries and other EAS Participating Countries, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the USA and India. India has been an active participant in EAS.
In his remarks at the Summit, the Prime Minister also reaffirmed the importance of EAS as the premier leaders-led forum in Indo-Pacific, bringing together nations to discuss important strategic issues. The Prime Minister also spoke about the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign for post-pandemic recovery and ensuring resilient global value chains. He emphasised the establishment of a "better balance" between economy and ecology and sustainable climate lifestyle.
The 16th EAS 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 (AOIP) and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The EAS leaders adopted three Statements on Mental Health, Economic recovery through Tourism and Sustainable Recovery, co-sponsored by India.
