At East Asia Summit, PM Modi reaffirms India's focus on free, open Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Brunei and reaffirmed India's focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific as also the principle of ASEAN centrality in the region.

Participated in the 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Brunei through video conference. Re-affirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region. @ASEAN @Asean2021_BN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2021

Narendra Modi, who participated in the event through video conference, said India remained committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism and rules-based international order. "Participated in the 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Brunei through video conference. Re-affirmed India's focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

India remains committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism, rules-based international order, international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. I look forward to participating in the 18th ASEAN-India Summit tomorrow.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2021

 "India remains committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism, rules-based international order, international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," he added. Also read | Covid-19: Delhi schools to reopen; physical attendance voluntary The Prime Minister said he looked forward to participating in the 18th ASEAN-India Summit on Thursday (October 28). The East Asia Summit, which was held virtually, is the premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic and geopolitical evolution of East Asia. Also read | 2013 Patna serial blasts: 10 convicted; one acquitted for want of evidence Apart from the 10 ASEAN Member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia. India, being a founding member of the East Asia Summit, is committed to strengthening the East Asia Summit and making it more effective for dealing with contemporary challenges. ASEAN-India summits are held annually and provide the opportunity for India and ASEAN to engage at the highest levels. -PTC News