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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed ASEAN Senior Officials to New Delhi and expressed confidence in the growing strength of the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasised the significance of ASEAN-India meetings in India's diplomatic engagements.

 

Jaishankar took to social media to express his delight at meeting the ASEAN Senior Officials and being updated on the progress of cooperation. He reiterated his confidence in the continuous growth of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India.

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises ten member countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

 

During the meeting, the delegation of Senior Officials from ASEAN, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat met with Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that ASEAN holds a crucial position in India's Act East Policy and its vision for the broader Indo-Pacific region.

 

Jaishankar urged the delegation to focus on key subjects and specific outcomes, including the timely review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and regional issues of mutual interest.

 

In a recent address at the first ASEAN Future Forum, Jaishankar underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.

 

He emphasised India's support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar believes that a strong and unified ASEAN can contribute significantly to the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific.

 

India actively participates in various ASEAN-led frameworks, including the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM+), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).

 

These engagements reflect India's commitment to regional cooperation and comprehensive security in the Indo-Pacific region.