PM Modi urges ASEAN to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism

Manila [Philippines] Nov. 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Addressing 15th ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Modi said, "We have individually strived very hard to fight terrorism and violent extremism. It is time that we jointly address this challenge by intensifying cooperation in this crucial area."

The Prime Minister assured the ASEAN India's support in maintaining regional security.

"India's Act East Policy is shaped around the ASEAN, and its centrality in the regional security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region is evident. India assures the ASEAN of its steady support towards achieving a rules-based regional security architecture that best attests to the region's interests and its peaceful development," Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the ASEAN by saying its remarkable journey is indeed worthy of reflection as much as it is of celebration.

"On this historic occasion, I am confident that ASEAN will further resolve to work together with one vision, one identity and as one independent community," the Prime Minister said.

He also exhorted the ASEAN to strengthen maritime links between the ASEAN and India.

"Maritime links established thousands of years ago between India and ASEAN countries have enabled our trade relations in the past and we have to work closely to further strengthen them."

The Prime Minister also invited the ASEAN leaders to be chief guests at 2018 Republic Day celebrations.

"I look forward to receiving you at the India-ASEAN Special Commemorative Summit on January 25, 2018 in New Delhi. The 1.25 billion people of India are keen to welcome the ASEAN Leaders as our Chief Guests at India's 69th Republic Day Celebrations."

On Monday, the Prime Minister told the ASEAN Business and Investment summit that his government wants to make India a manufacturing hub.

Exhorting the businessmen to invest in India, the Prime Minister said that said that most sectors of the Indian economy are open for foreign investment.

Before addressing the summit, Prime Minister Modi also met United States President Donald Trump.

After meeting Trump, he told media, "The relations between India and the US are growing. Our relations go further for future interests of Asia and humanity."

He further added the US and India would come up to the expectations of the world and the US.

The ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising ten Southeast Asian states which promotes Pan-Asianism and intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, military, educational and cultural integration amongst its members and Asian states. (ANI)