Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

Your Excellency, President Joko Widodo,
Your Majesty,
Excellencies,
Namaskar

• Our partnership is entering its fourth decade.
• In this regard, co-chairing the India-ASEAN Summit brings me great pleasure.
• For the splendid organization of this summit, I heartily congratulate and express my gratitude to President Widoḍo.
• I also extend my congratulations to the capable leadership of the ASEAN group.
• I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister His Excellency Hun Manet of Cambodia for recently assuming office.
• I also welcome Prime Minister His Excellency Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste as an Observer in this meeting.

• Our history and geography connect India and ASEAN.
• Along with shared values, regional unity,
• Peace, prosperity, and a shared belief in a multipolar world also binds us together.
• ASEAN is the central pillar of India's Act East Policy.
• India fully supports ASEAN centrality and ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
• ASEAN holds a prominent place in India's Indo-Pacific initiative.
• Last year, we celebrated the India-ASEAN Friendship Year and elevated our relationship to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'.

• Today, even in an environment of global uncertainties, there is continuous progress in every field in our mutual cooperation.
• This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship.
• The theme of this year's ASEAN Summit is 'ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.'
• ASEAN matters because here everyone's voice is heard, and ASEAN is the epicenter of growth because the ASEAN region plays a crucial role in global development.
• 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - 'one earth, one family, one future', this sentiment is also the theme of India's G-20 Presidency.

• The 21st century is Asia's century. It is our century.
• For this, it is necessary to build a rule-based post-COVID world order and efforts by all for human welfare.
• The progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the Voice of Global South is in the common interest of all.
• I believe that today's discussions will lead to new resolutions for strengthening the future of India and the ASEAN region.
• Country Coordinator Singapore, upcoming Chair Lao PDR, and with all of you,
• India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with you.