Indian Mission to ASEAN
Jakarta

Press Release
VISIT BY INDIAN DEFENCE DELEGATION TO THE ASEAN SECRETARIAT

A delegation comprising of twenty Indian Defence Officers visited the Secretariat of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Jakarta, Indonesia on 12^th October, 2017. The delegation was given a detailed briefing on the role and relevance of ASEAN in the emerging Regional Architecture. They were briefed on the ASEAN Community Development efforts, particularly in the formation of ASEAN Politico-Security Community. The briefing was followed by an interactive session which witnessed mutual exchange of ideas towards better understanding of the role, tenets, and vision of ASEAN. Multiple issues regarding ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting were also discussed.

The visit of the delegation to Jakarta enabled the officers to have a better appreciation of the importance of the region and the role of ASEAN in enhancing regional cooperation. The briefing also emphasized the strong bond between India and ASEAN with emphasis on the ASEAN - India strategic partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity.

India and ASEAN are commemorating of the 25^th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue relations and 50^th anniversary of the foundation of ASEAN, in 2017 with a number of Commemorative Activities. The Indian Ships are making Port calls on a number of ASEAN ports as part of the commemorative celebrations. India regularly participates in ADMM+ and ARF events and has conducted ADMM+ and ARF activities in 2016-17.

On the security front, India and ASEAN Member States look to working closely in traditional and non-traditional security issues such as cyber security, strengthening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, curbing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing etc. India and ASEAN have laid-out an ambitious Plan of Action for the years 2016-2020 under which they plan to expand and deepen the strategic partnership into new and crucial areas of cooperation for peace, progress and economic prosperity of the region. India’s expanding role in the region has been welcomed by all ASEAN countries.

Jakarta
12^th October, 2017