In his address at the annual ASEAN-India summit here in Indonesian capital, Modi described the 10-nation grouping as the epicentre of growth as the region plays a crucial role in global development
The prime minister said the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) holds a prominent place in India's Indo-Pacific initiative and that New Delhi is committed to working "shoulder to shoulder" with it
ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners
"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 prime minister, co-chairing the summit, said
"The progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the voice of the Global South is in the common interest of all," he said
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