India, ASEAN collaboration can be crucial in tackling contemporary issues: EAM Jaishankar

Fri Nov 08 07:02:04 UTC 2024: ## India and ASEAN: A Crucial Partnership for a Changing World

**Sydney, Australia -** India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted the vital role of collaboration between India and ASEAN in tackling contemporary global challenges. Speaking at the Eighth Roundtable of ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks in Sydney, Jaishankar emphasized the shared demographic power of the two regions, representing over a quarter of the world’s population.

“India and ASEAN are major demographies whose emerging demands can not only support each other but become larger productive forces in the international economy,” stated Jaishankar. He further emphasized the significance of their combined consumer power and lifestyle choices as drivers of economic growth.

Jaishankar also stressed the crucial role of collaboration in addressing issues like climate change, food security, and global health crises, citing the experience of the recent pandemic. “Ensuring food security is a major concern in an era of extreme climate events,” he said. “Similarly, with the experience of global pandemics, preparing for health security is no less vital.”

Addressing the political challenges in the region, Jaishankar acknowledged the complexities of the situation in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for India and ASEAN to work together. “We do not have the luxury of distance or indeed of time,” he stated.

Jaishankar called for a stronger culture of self-help within the region, achieved through collaboration and mutual support. He underlined the deep cultural and civilizational connection between India and ASEAN, emphasizing the value of fostering this bond.

He highlighted India’s contributions to heritage restoration and the conservation of art forms in ASEAN countries, further strengthening the partnership.

Jaishankar concluded by stressing India’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and cohesion in the evolving Indo-Pacific region. “India has been equally clear about respect for international law, rule and norms – both in approach and substance — as convergence has only grown over the last four decades. This is a foundation from which we can aspire to high ambitions,” he said.