16th East Asia Summit: PM Modi reaffirms India's focus on free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific- Top 10 Highlights

16th East Asia Summit: PM Narendra Modi participated in 16th East Asia Summit hosted by Sultan of Brunei through video conference on October 27, 2021. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region during the summit.

During his address at the East Asia Summit, PM Modi emphasised on the importance of a resilient global value chain and reiterated India's commitment to providing Quad-sponsored vaccines to Indo-Pacific countries.

The Prime Minister also recalled India’s support of USD 1 million to the ASEAN COVID-19 Recovery Fund. He also raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security.

India remains committed to strengthening respect for shared values of multilateralism, rules-based international order, international law & sovereignty & territorial integrity of all nations. I look forward to participating in the 18th ASEAN-India Summit tomorrow: PM Modi https://t.co/Y2O495RUVD

— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2021

16th East Asia Summit: Top 5 Highlights from PM Modi's speech 

1. PM Modi highlighted the importance of setting up a resilient global value chain and a better balance between economy, ecology and climate sustainable lifestyle.

2. He highlighted the need for development of global standards on cyber security and emphasised on maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

3. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the East Asia Summit as the premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific that brings together nations to discuss important strategic issues. 

4. PM Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccination and medical supplies. 

5. He elaborated upon the centre's "Atmanirbhar Bharat” Campaign, which was launched to enable post-pandemic recovery and ensure resilient global value chains. 

During his address, PM Modi recalled India’s support of 1 million US dollars to the ASEAN COVID-19 Recovery Fund. He stressed the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. PM also raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security.

— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2021

16th East Asia Summit: Key Facts

•The 16th East Asia Summit included discussions over matters of regional and international concern including maritime security, South China Sea, Indo Pacific region, terrorism and Covid-19 cooperation. 

•The summit was hosted by Brunei, which is the current chair of East Asia Summit and ASEAN.

•The Summit saw participation from leaders from 10 ASEAN member states and others including India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

•The East Asia Summit, which was set up in 2005, is a regional forum that convenes annually.

•It was attended initially by leaders of 16 countries that are located in East Asia, South Asia and Oceania but the membership expanded to 18 countries including the United States and Russia at the 2011 East Asia Summit. 

•India is one of the founding members of the East Asia Summit. The nation is committed to enhancing the strength of the forum and increasing its efficiency in dealing with contemporary challenges.

Background

The East Asia Summit is held after the annual ASEAN leaders' meeting. ASEAN plays a central role in the forum since its establishment. The first-ever East Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 14, 2005.

East Asia Summit is an important platform for enhancing practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by building upon the convergence between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI).