Context:

Recently, the Prime Minister attended the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Highlights of 20th ASEAN-India summit:

• Theme: ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth’
• KeyPoints of PM’s address:
  • ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy.
  • India supports ASEAN’s outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and Indo-Pacific.
  • The progress of a free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the voice of the Global South is in the common interest of all.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN):

• ASEAN was established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
• Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
  • Other Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
• Motto of ASEAN: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
• Organizational Structure: The annual summit is ASEAN’s highest body (ASEAN Summit). 
  • The chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit and Ministerial Conferences has rotated annually in alphabetical order between member states.
• ASEAN Secretariat:  Indonesia, Jakarta.
• Objective: To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.

Working of ASEAN:

• ASEAN is led by a chair, who is elected by member states every year and is supported by a secretariat situated in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
• Important decisions are normally made through conversation and consensus, governed by the ideals of non-interference in internal affairs and conflict resolution through peaceful means.

News Source: Business Standard

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