“ASEAN is central to India’s ‘Act East Policy’. Our engagement is driven by common priorities, and is bringing peace, stability and prosperity to region. The substance of our strategic partnership [includes] economic, security and socio-cultural aspects,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a speech at the 14th ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos.
“The export of terror, growing radicalization and the spread of extreme violence are common security threats to our societies. We are willing to take concrete steps to enhance cooperation in cyber security, de-radicalization and counter terrorism,” Modi said at the ASEAN Summit.
Modi stressed that enhancing connectivity is at the heart of India’s strategic partnership with ASEAN.
“Seamless digital connectivity between India and South East Asia is a shared objective. India is committed to a Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity,” Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also proposed a Joint Task Force on connectivity to work on the extension of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Strengthening partnership with ASEAN is a part of India’s core strategy to increase its influence in the South East Asian region.
