On Thursday (October 10), Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos, emphasizing how India's Act East strategy has enhanced its long-standing connections with ASEAN nations. He also emphasized the necessity of partnership between India and ASEAN, particularly in view of present global problems.

"I had declared India's Act East strategy. This strategy has provided fresh energy, direction, and impetus to India's long-standing relations with ASEAN nations during the past decade. During the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, Modi emphasized the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, which was begun in 1991.

"Last year, maritime exercises for regional security and stability were initiated. Over the previous decade, our commerce with the ASEAN area has nearly quadrupled to more than 130 billion dollars. India now has direct flights to seven ASEAN countries, and direct flights to Brunei will begin soon," he added.

"We are peaceful countries that respect each other's national integrity and sovereignty, and we are devoted to our youth's bright future. I feel that the twenty-first century is the century of India and the ASEAN countries. Today, when there is conflict and tension in many areas of the world, India's friendship, collaboration, conversation, and cooperation with ASEAN are critical," Modi said.