ASEAN backs India's rising role in Indo-Pacific region

In a significant indication of India's rising profile, the 10-nation ASEAN on Sunday clearly appreciated New Delhi's growing role in the Indo-Pacific region as the two sides, with a combined GDP of USD 5 trillion, vowed to further broadbase strategic ties and deal with major challenges like of terrorism collectively.

In his address at the annual India-ASEAN summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the mutual coordination between India's vision of the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Outlook for the strategically key region which has been witnessing growing Chinese assertiveness.

Modi also talked about cross border terrorism, spread of violent extremism and the situation in the South China Sea, and underlined the need for greater cooperation between India and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to unitedly confront major challenges facing the region.

"I welcome the mutual coordination of the Indo-Pacific Outlook between India and the ASEAN. India's Act East Policy is an ..