New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the importance of the East Asia Summit (EAS) as the premier forum in Indo-Pacific which brings together nations to discuss important strategic issues. PM Modi was addressing the 16th East Asia Summit earlier today via videoconference on October 26.
The 16th East Asia Summit was hosted by Brunei as EAS and ASEAN Chair. 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.
PM Modi in his address emphasized the importance of a resilient global value chain and reiterated India’s commitment to providing Quad-sponsored vaccines to the Indo-Pacific nations. “The Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccines and medical supplies,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
PM Modi also spoke about Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign for post-pandemic recovery and in ensuring resilient global value chains. He emphasized the establishment of a better balance between economy and ecology and climate sustainable 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. PM Modi reaffirmed the centrality of ASEAN 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, which have been co-sponsored by India.
