India and ASEAN share civilizational contacts which are deep-rooted and abiding. Our geo-strategic location linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has helped to strengthen our relations. The maritime routes to South East Asia allowed for the intermingling of our cultures. These trade routes linked ancient India with southern Burma, central and southern Siam, lower Cambodia, and southern Vietnam, to the archipelago of Sumatra, Java, and Bali and numerous other urbanized coastal settlements, said Dr. Ranjkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education at the ‘ Connecting East: Confluence of IPOI and AOIP Visions’ held yesterday evening at New Delhi.

Speaking of the contemporary era, India and ASEAN have an enduring, multifaceted Strategic Partnership. In the last 30 years since we established a formal relationship from a Sectoral Partnership in 1992 has evolved into Strategic Partnership in 2012, encompassing areas ranging from Agriculture to Space with several multi-layered dialogue mechanisms.

Our increasing engagement with the wider Indo-Pacific region also demonstrates India’s desire for a stronger partnership with ASEAN. India’s ‘Act East Policy’ announced by Prime Minister Modi in 2014 expanded into India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at the centre. India’s vision for the region resonates closely with ASEAN’s own Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Both AOIP and IPOI see Indo-Pacific as a closely integrated and inter-connected region stated Minister Ranjan.

We want a rules-based order with respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to international law including the 1982 UNCLOS that promotes dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes while rejecting the use of force. Due to these very reasons, India was among the first countries to welcome the AOIP, explained Dr. Singh.

Our focus on climate action and environmental protection also opens up newer areas of cooperation with a special focus on new and renewable energy and green and sustainable growth highlighted Indian Minister.

ASEAN-India ties are a source of balance and harmony in the region. As we celebrate 30 years of our relations with ASEAN, we aim to further strengthen our broad based relationship by exploring new avenues concluded Dr. RK Ranjan.

The conference is attended by India and the ASEAN Member States.

Advertisement | 5E for Success