Jakarta: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief visit to Indonesia on September 7, 2023, to attend the India-Asean Summit and East Asia Summit. The India-Asean Summit is an annual meeting between the leaders of India and the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue and cooperation between the leaders of 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
PM Modi wrote on platform X, “Had a very short but fruitful Indonesia visit, where I met ASEAN and other leaders. I thank President Jokowi, the Indonesian Government and people for their welcome”.
Prime Minister Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome at the Jakarta International Airport. He then met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and other Asean leaders to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between India and Asean in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, and maritime security.
In his address to the India-Asean Summit, Prime Minister Modi said that India and Asean are “natural partners” and that they share a “common vision” for the future. He also announced that India would be setting up a new $100 million fund to support Asean initiatives in the areas of connectivity, digital economy, and skill development.
Prime Minister Modi also attended the East Asia Summit, where he met with leaders from other countries in the region, including China, Japan, and the United States. He discussed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and of working together to address challenges such as climate change and terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia was a successful one. He was able to strengthen India’s ties with Asean and the East Asia region, and he also raised India’s profile as a leading player in the Indo-Pacific.
In addition to the official meetings, Prime Minister Modi also met with members of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta. He addressed a gathering of Indian community leaders and assured them of India’s commitment to their welfare.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia was a brief one, but it was an important one. It helped to strengthen India’s ties with Asean and the East Asia region, and it also laid the groundwork for further cooperation in the years to come.