My visit to Asean meet is part of ‘Act East policy’: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that his visit to the Philippines from Sunday to attend the India-asean Summit symbolises the country’s commitment to deepening ties with the Asean member states and the Indo-pacific region as part of the ‘act east policy’. The prime minister also asserted that he was confident that his visit to Manila will give a new boost to India’s bilateral relations with the Philippines, and also further strengthen the politico-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars of India’s engagement with Asean.

In his departure statement ahead of the three-day trip, Modi also gave a broad outline of the events he will attend during his first bilateral visit to the Philippines. Apart from participating in the ASEAN-INDIA and East Asia Summits, Modi would also take part in Special Celebrations of the 50th anni- versary of ASEAN, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Meeting and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

“My participation in them symbolises India’s commitment to continue deepening relationship with Asean Member States, in particular, and with the Indo-pacific region, in general, within the framework of my Government’s Act East Policy,” the prime minister said.

The Asean Business and Investment Summit will boost the close cooperation to enhance trade ties with ASEAN member- states, which constitutes a significant 10.85 per cent of our overall trade, he said.