S Jaishankar Highlights India’s Strong Ties with ASEAN at Vientiane Meeting
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN at a meeting in Vientiane, Laos. He highlighted India’s commitment to ASEAN through its Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jakarta last year and the 12-point plan announced have been largely acted upon. He praised ASEAN’s growing partnership and urged for high ambitions.
Jaishankar thanked Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan for his wishes on Jaishankar’s reappointment and appreciated his role as country coordinator. He looked forward to working with the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo, as the next country coordinator.
He congratulated Lao PDR for its chairmanship of ASEAN and extended India’s full support. He also welcomed Timor-Leste as an observer and announced plans to open an embassy in Delhi soon.
The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India reaffirmed the commitment to enhance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and discussed regional and international issues of common interest.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister, which means he is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together on various issues like trade, security, and culture.
Vientiane -: Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, a country in Southeast Asia. It is where the meeting took place.
Act East policy -: The Act East policy is India’s strategy to improve its relationships with countries in East and Southeast Asia, including ASEAN members.
Indo-Pacific vision -: The Indo-Pacific vision is a concept that focuses on the importance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans for trade, security, and cooperation among countries in these regions.
Vivian Balakrishnan -: Vivian Balakrishnan is the Foreign Minister of Singapore, which means he is responsible for managing Singapore’s relationships with other countries.
Enrique Manalo -: Enrique Manalo is the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, which means he is responsible for managing the Philippines’ relationships with other countries.
Timor-Leste -: Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small country in Southeast Asia. It was welcomed as an observer at the ASEAN meeting.
