External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has said that the political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority. Addressing the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane today, Dr. Jaishankar said, ASEAN is the cornerstone of India’s Act East policy and vision for Indo-Pacific.

Dr. Jaishankar said, Digital, defence, maritime, connectivity, security, health and cultural heritage preservation continue to be priority areas for India-ASEAN cooperation. During the meeting, Dr Jaishankar also spoke about the situation in Myanmar, keeping the Sea Lines of Communication open and free, Quad’s outlook on ASEAN and the conflict in Gaza.