SINGAPORE: India and ASEAN, as two major demographic regions, can significantly address global challenges such as food security, health, and regional political issues, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the recent ASEAN-India Roundtable.
Jaishankar emphasized that the growing consumer demands and lifestyle choices in India and ASEAN countries are powerful drivers that shape the global economy, influencing sectors like trade, tourism, mobility, and education.
Together, India and ASEAN represent over a quarter of the world’s population. The ASEAN member nations include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The minister highlighted that collaboration between India and ASEAN is crucial for managing climate-driven food security issues, strengthening health security in the wake of pandemics, and addressing regional political challenges, such as those in Myanmar. He noted the need for humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and maritime security in the shared region, where geographical proximity demands swift and coordinated action.
Jaishankar called for a stronger culture of mutual support rooted in the deep cultural and civilizational ties between India and ASEAN. He pointed out India’s efforts in heritage restoration and art conservation as examples of preserving shared values.
The India-ASEAN partnership, which is now in its fourth decade, continues to grow through bilateral and trilateral initiatives like the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle.
India advocates for ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting international laws and norms to create a stable foundation for ambitious cooperative goals.
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