India assured ASEAN of its support in post pandemic period

September 15, 2021

India has assured ASEAN partners for its support in the recovery efforts in the post pandemic period.

Highlights

This assurance was given during the 18th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations meeting.
It was attended by the Economic Ministers of all the ten ASEAN countries namely, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
During the meeting, Ministers took stock of current covid-19 pandemic situation and reaffirmed their commitment for collective actions in mitigating the economic impacts.
Ministers also ensured resilient supply chains in the region.
They appreciated the deepening trade and investment between ASEAN.
Indian side briefed that, India’s current focus is on the mass vaccination, capacity enhancements and economic initiatives in order to mitigate the challenges.
India also invited ASEAN countries to invest in India in potential sectors such as health and pharmaceutical.

India-ASEAN Relation

Relationship with ASEAN is a significant pillar of India’s foreign policy as well the foundation of Act East Policy. India has launched a separate Mission to ASEAN and the EAS in Jakarta. India and ASEAN completed 25 years of Dialogue Partnership besides 15 years of Summit Level interaction as well as 5 years of Strategic Partnership. ASEAN is the seventh largest trading partner of India. India’s trade with ASEAN is about 10.6% of India’s overall trade while India’s export to ASEAN is about 11.28% of total exports. ASEAN and India have also completed Free Trade Area.