India has been an active participant of the East Asia Summit and this was the Prime Minister’s 7th East Asia Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized the importance of a resilient global supply chain. He said this while participating at the 16th East Asia Summit via videoconference.

Hosted by Brunei as the EAS and ASEAN Chair, the Summit was attended by leaders from ASEAN countries and EAS participants including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA and India.

While reaffirming the importance of the EAS as the premier leaders-led forum in Indo-Pacific, bringing together nations to discuss important strategic issues, PM Modi at the Summit stressed the importance of free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific

The 16th EAS also discussed important regional and international issues including Indo-Pacifc, South China Sea, UNCLOS, terrorism, and situation in Korean Peninsula and Myanmar.

The Prime Minister raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security.

PM Modi reaffirmed “ASEAN centrality” in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

At the summit, the Prime Minister also highlighted India’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccines and medical supplies and, also reiterated the country’s commitment to provide Quad sponsored vaccines to Indo-Pacific nations.

Prime Minister Modi recalled India’s support of 1 million US dollar to ASEAN COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

Prime Minister Modi also spoke about “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign for post-pandemic recovery and emphasized on the establishment of a better balance between economy and ecology and climate sustainable lifestyle.

At the Summit, the EAS leaders adopted three statements on mental health, economic recovery through tourism and sustainable recovery, which have been co-sponsored by India.

Overall, the Summit saw a fruitful exchange of views between Prime Minister Modi and other EAS leaders.

The Prime Minister also extended best wishes to Cambodia as incoming chair of the EAS.