Jakarta - Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening sovereignty and territorial integrity during his addresses at the 18th East Asia Summit and 20th ASEAN-India Summit. He indirectly referred to Chinese aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and stressed that peace, security, and prosperity in the region benefit everyone. Modi reaffirmed India's support for ASEAN centrality and its commitment to the Indo-Pacific outlook, recognizing ASEAN as a significant pillar of India's Act East Policy.

At the 18th East Asia Summit, Modi presented a 12-point proposal for enhanced cooperation, covering connectivity, digital transformation, trade, and economic engagement. He called for the establishment of a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor connecting South-East Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe. Additionally, he offered to share India's Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners and proposed cooperation on initiatives like Mission LiFE (LiFEStyle For Environment) and the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.

Modi stressed the need for collective action on disaster management, maritime safety, security, and domain awareness. He reiterated the call for a joint fight against terrorism, terror financing, and cyber-disinformation.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of adhering to international laws and maintaining a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution. He also addressed the situation in Myanmar, emphasizing India's policy considerations and its focus on peace, security, and connectivity along its borders.

Modi acknowledged the significance of ASEAN as the epicenter of growth and highlighted the strength and resilience of India's partnership with ASEAN. He underscored the theme of this year's ASEAN Summit, "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," and its alignment with India's G-20 Presidency theme, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (one earth, one family, one future).

The Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia for these summits precedes the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where he will participate as part of India's Presidency.

The East Asia Summit, which includes leaders of 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, focuses on regional peace, security, and prosperity. ASEAN, at the center of this mechanism, plays a pivotal role in its success.

Modi's trip to Jakarta was marked by a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora. After these summits, he returned to Delhi for the G20 Summit, hosted in the national capital on September 9 and 10.