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Jaishankar: ASEAN Key to India’s Act East Policy

ASEAN countries are a key part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision, highlighted by PM Modi’s SAGAR initiative….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated Friday that ASEAN remains the cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.

Addressing the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, the EAM stated that it was “encouraging” to note that India-ASEAN partnership continues to acquire ever more dimensions with each passing year.

“For India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision that was thereafter built on it. For us, political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority. So too are people-to-people linkages, that we are constantly seeking to expand,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks at the meeting.

The 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane is being attended by over 1000 delegates, including foreign ministers and representatives from 31 countries.

“While our achievements are substantial, our ambitions must always remain high,” Jaishankar told the gathering.

The EAM also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in September 2023 to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit, the first major event for the grouping since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

“The priority that India attaches to ASEAN and EAS platforms is evident from Prime Minister Modi visiting Jakarta last year on the very eve of our own G20 Summit. He had announced a 12-point plan that has been largely acted upon,” Jaishankar said on Friday.

The EAM called the meeting as “productive”, stating that digital, defence, maritime, connectivity, security, health and traditional medicine and cultural heritage preservation continue to be priority areas for India-ASEAN cooperation.

“Also spoke about the situation in Myanmar, keeping the Sea Lines of Communication open and free, Quad’s outlook on ASEAN & AOIP and the conflict in Gaza,” he said.

ASEAN countries remain an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and key partner of its Indo-Pacific Vision underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

From Vientiane, the EAM will travel to Tokyo to participate in the next meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ on July 29 along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, and the United States.

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All Eyes on Laos as ASEAN Meetings Kick off

The 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) is scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday (July 24-28)…reports Asian Lite News

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers had an Interface with the representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, on Wednesday.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn attended the interface, which saw candid exchanges between the ministers and the AICHR representatives on human rights in the region.

The annual AICHR report was also submitted to the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for notation.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on Wednesday, aiming to exchange views on the latest developments happening around the world as well as to explore new ideas on how to further strengthen and broaden cooperation and partnership towards realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond.

In his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, Secretary-General Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to support Laos in realising its ASEAN Chairmanship’s priorities and deliverables this year under the theme ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’.

In his second bilateral meeting, Kao met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, Aung Kyaw Moe. Both sides discussed the ongoing work of ASEAN in its community-building efforts.

The 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) is scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday (July 24-28) while Laos will also host the ASEAN Post Ministerial conferences, the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also be participating in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit(EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), starting Thursday.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar Heads to Key ASEAN, Quad Meet

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Mizoram Home Minister apologises to Myanmar refugees

K. Sapdanga made the apology for not being able to meet their all needs adequately, citing the state’s limited resources….reports Asian Lite News

Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has apologised to over 33,000 Myanmar refugees, sheltering in the state since February 2021, for not being able to meet their all needs adequately, citing the state’s limited resources. 

Addressing an event in Aizawl on Sunday night, he said that the people of Mizoram consider the refugees as brothers and sisters of the Mizos.

Sapdanga, who also holds the Disaster Management portfolio, recounted his first visit to the refugee camps along the Mizoram-Myanmar border and his interaction with the refugees.

He expressed his sadness at the troubles of those who had fled their homes along with the children and ailing persons.

“You have taken shelter in Mizoram, what we call ‘Jerusalem of all the Mizos’, as you have no other option. But we are trying to help, though our resources are limited,” he said.

The Minister appealed for cooperation from all sections of people, including the refugees, to deal with the drug menace in Mizoram, particularly among youths. He expressed hope that the ethnic Myanmar nationals would achieve the freedom they are fighting for.

Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte urged unity among all Chin tribal ethnic groups in their fight to overthrow the military junta and restore democracy in Myanmar, particularly in the Chin state of the neighbouring country.

Over 33,000 Myanmarese took shelter in Mizoram in different phases after the military takeover there in February 2021.

Besides the Myanmar nationals, over 15,000 Bangladeshi tribals, belonging to the Bawm community, took shelter in Mizoram since November 2022. The Bangladeshi refugees from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh fled from their villages and sought refuge in Mizoram after an offensive by the Bangladeshi Army against the insurgent group Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA).

Around 10,000 people including women and children belonging to Kuki-Zomi tribes, have also taken shelter in Mizoram after the ethnic violence broke out in neighbouring Manipur in May last year.

The Kuki-Zomi-Chin tribes in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur share ethnic ties, and cultural and linguistic similarities with the Mizo people. Most refugees stay in rented accommodation and the homes of their relatives or friends, while others live in relief camps across the border state, which shares a 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh.

The present Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government and the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government have sought financial assistance from the Centre for the relief and shelter of the Myanmar, Bangladeshi, and Manipur refugees.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday discussed the Bangladeshi refugee issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and reportedly told him that the state government is reluctant to push back the refugees. An official of Mizoram Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the Chief Minister, during the meeting with the Prime Minister at his residence in New Delhi, apprised him that the Bangladeshi refugees, taking shelter in the state belong to the Bawm community, one of the ethnic Mizo tribes. Many more tribals from CHT of the same community are also trying to enter Mizoram, he told the Prime Minister.

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Floods Hit Myanmar

The affected residents have been moved to temporary shelters in 30 schools, churches, and monasteries across the region…reports Asian Lite News

Nearly 2,000 households in northern Myanmar’s Kachin State have been evacuated as the Ayeyarwady River overflowed above the danger mark due to heavy rains, according to the Kachin state government on Monday.

There have been no reported fatalities and ongoing rescue operations, a member from the Kachin stated government, reported Xinhua news agency.

The affected residents have been moved to temporary shelters in 30 schools, churches, and monasteries across the region, he said.

According to local media reports, more than 1,000 people are trapped in Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships due to heavy rains.

According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Monday, the Ayeyarwady River overflowed about five feet above the danger mark in Myitkyina Township.

The river is expected to rise by another two feet in the next two days and remains above the Myitkyina Township’s danger mark.

ALSO READ: India urges early democratic transition in Myanmar

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ASEAN Sees India as Key Partner

The ASEAN bloc also remains hopeful that India will rethink its position on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)….reports Asian Lite News

As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to grow in strength, India, too remains a valued partner for the economic union.

Speaking to ANI in the Laos Capital Vientiane, the Director General of the ASEAN department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR), Chatoulong Bouasisavath said that India is a valued partner of ASEAN.

“India is a valued partner of ASEAN…India understands ASEAN and has been helping in the ASEAN region..there is also a proposal this year on digitalisation put up by India which when adopted will further cement this India-ASEAN relationship,” he said.

ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia.

After the announcement on real time payments linkage system between India and Singapore, India announced that it is working with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to operationalize it for more countries in the region.

“ASEAN states have various digital payment systems, we are working towards the integration of this…the proposed document on digitalisation and digital connectivity put forward by India will lay the foundation for further cooperation on this sphere,” Bouasisavath said.

“If we can achieve an integrated payment system, it will become easier for tourists who come from India or those who go there as they can use an app for payment,” he further said.

One of the key factors for the ASEAN bloc is the volatile situation in Myanmar.

The country has seen a spurt in militant activity and a five-point programme suggested by ASEAN is being worked on to address the situation. ASEAN also acknowledged the role of India in maintaining stability in the region.

“We are moving along with the five-point programme in Myanmar and we have also appointed a special envoy to the region. The special envoy is accountable to the foreign ministry…and we are engaged with many stakeholders in Myanmar,” said Bouasisavath.

Noting that India as a neighbor of Myanmar has a very important role to play, the Laos official stated that “keeping contact with the Indian side is very important for ASEAN and Laos as the Chair.”

The ASEAN bloc also remains hopeful that India will rethink its position on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

On the possibility of getting India back to the Regional Economic Trade Agreement RCEP, the DG said, “The doors are not closed for India and we are still hopeful that India will see value in the agreement.”

The RCEP is a free trade agreement among the Asia-Pacific countries of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This year, India celebrates a decade of its ‘Act East’ Policy, keeping ASEAN as its central pillar of the policy.

India has reiterated its full support for ASEAN Centrality, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship’s priorities and deliverables under their theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Indonesia to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS).

It was the first Summit since the elevation of ties between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations bloc of countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. (ANI)

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India urges early democratic transition in Myanmar

The two ministers met on Wednesday as Myanmar minister Swe transited New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Than Swe and discussed India’s deep concern at the impact of continuing violence and instability in Myanmar on its border.

The two ministers met on Wednesday as Myanmar minister Swe transited New Delhi.

“Met with Deputy PM and FM of Myanmar U Than Shwe as he transited New Delhi today. Discussed our deep concern at the impact of continuing violence and instability in Myanmar on our border,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

India is open to engaging all stakeholders in addressing this situation, Jaishankar stressed.

He further raised the issue of flagged illegal narcotics, arms smuggling and trafficking, terming them as “priority challenges”.

“Particularly flagged illegal narcotics, arms smuggling and trafficking in persons as priority challenges,” he said on X.

EAM urged an early return to democratic transition in Myanmar, emphasising that India stands ready to help in any manner.

“Sought cooperation for early return of Indian nationals trapped in Myawaddy. Pressed for credible security protection for our ongoing projects in the country. Urged early return to the path of democratic transition in Myanmar. India stands ready to help in any manner,” he stated.

Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometre-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to fortifying national borders, Amit Shah announced that the government has chosen to erect a fence along the entire India-Myanmar border.

“The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders.It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved,” Home Minister posted on X.

The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, currently operates under the FMR, which permits individuals living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territories without a visa. Initiated in 2018, the FMR policy was a component of India’s Act East policy.

As per FMR policy, those belonging to the hill tribes, being citizens of either India or Myanmar and residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the border, can cross with a border pass valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. (ANI)

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MEA warns against ‘fake job rackets’ targeting youth in Myanmar

Indian Embassy stated that they are working closely with concerned authorities for the safety and rescue of Indian nationals…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has warned its citizens to stay away from ‘fake job rackets’ targeting youth. An advisory issued by the Indian Embassy stated that an increase in incidents has been recorded and in view of the same it reminds its people to follow their advice and not accept any job offers without first checking with the Embassy.

“There has been an increase in the incidents of Indian nationals falling victim to the international crime syndicates active in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border. We would re-emphasize the importance of adhering to our advisories on the subject for not taking any such job offers without consulting the respective Indian Embassies,” the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said in a press release on Monday.

The release further states, that this advisory is being issued in continuation of the Embassy’s advisories on the above subject, issued on 5th July 2022, 14 October 2022, 28th March 2023 and 13th September 2023.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy stated that they are working closely with concerned authorities for the safety and rescue of Indian nationals.

“Please see our updated Advisory below, regarding fake job racket targeting Indian youth. More details at http://embassyofindiayangon.gov.in. We are also working closely with concerned authorities for the safety and rescue of Indian nationals who fall victim to such crime syndicates,” Indian Embassy said on X.

A new location in Pha Lu area, South of Myawaddy town is reported to have emerged recently where most of the Indian victims are being trafficked into, via Thailand, after being recruited from India as well as from countries like Malaysia, UAE etc.

“In view of the above, it is reiterated that Indian nationals should not accept such job offers floated through social media platforms or other unverified sources. Indian nationals are advised to check/verify the credentials of foreign employers through the Indian Embassy located in that country. The antecedents of recruiting agents as well as companies should also be established before taking up any job offer abroad,” the statement added.

“Embassy of India, Yangon may be contacted through Email- and cons.yangon@mea.gov.in Mobile No.- +9595419602 (WhatsApp/Viber/Signal) for any Myanmar-related query in this regard,” it added.

“On the basis of inputs shared by the victims, an updated list of suspected agents, agencies and compounds involved in these criminal activities is enclosed,” the release said.

Recently, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also addressed this matter and said that three Indians had been contacted for repatriation and one has already been brought back.

He futher reminded of the notice to job-seekers that cautioned them to be careful, while applying for jobs in South East Asian countries.

Indian nationals have been duped with job offers from transitional crime syndicates in Myanmar and were made to work under harsh conditions.

So we will yet again through you and through all of you remind people who take up this assignment that they should be careful in their approach,” said an MEA spokesperson.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar shared that over 400 Indian nationals have been rescued so far and asked Indian citizens to exercise caution and not get trapped in such fake job offers.

Earlier in September 2022, in an advisory to Indian citizens, the MEA had cautioned IT-skilled youth who were the targets of such fake job rackets. In October, India rescued around 45 Indians trapped in fake job rackets in Myanmar. (ANI)

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Elon Musk Brings Starlink to Indonesia

Musk, who is visiting Indonesia for the first time, is scheduled to launch Starlink alongside the country’s President Joko Widodo….reports Asian Lite News

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday arrived in Indonesia where he aims to launch his satellite-based internet service Starlink.

Musk, who is visiting Indonesia for the first time, is scheduled to launch Starlink alongside the country’s President Joko Widodo.

“I had the opportunity to pick up Elon at the Airport this morning, then discuss some of his agendas while he’s here and of course some important collaborations. One of them is the inauguration of Starlink internet service capable of reaching all corners of Indonesia,” Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan wrote on his official Instagram account.

“Through the availability of internet access throughout the province, the digitalisation in the implementation of healthcare and education in Indonesia can continue to improve,” he added.

The minister also mentioned that the tech billionaire will also be speaking at the World Water Forum, which will be held in Bali.

Earlier this month, Starlink warned users of a “degraded service” as the biggest geomagnetic storm struck the Earth due to solar activity.

“Starlink is currently experiencing degraded service. Our team is investigating,” the company wrote on its website.

Musk also highlighted the severity of the storm in a post on X, saying that it has put Starlink satellite fleet under intense pressure and described it as “the biggest in a long time”.

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Lawrence Wong Sworn In as Singapore’s PM

Wong, 51, is the first prime minister of Singapore born after the country’s independence in 1965…reports Asian Lite News

Lawrence Wong took his oath of office as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister at the Istana, the country’s presidential palace, on Wednesday.

In the inauguration speech, Wong expressed gratitude to Lee Hsien Loong, who served as the prime minister for the past two decades and remains in the new cabinet as a senior minister, reports Xinhua News Agency.

Wong, 51, is the first prime minister of Singapore born after the country’s independence in 1965. He said that the handover also signifies a passing of the baton across generations.

Wong said one of his priorities is to identify and bring younger talents in their 30s and 40s to the team, and his leadership style will differ from previous generations.

“We enjoyed unprecedented peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific since the end of the Cold War. Unfortunately, the era is over,” Wong stressed while expounding on his external views.

Facing growing conflict, rivalry, protectionism and nationalism, Wong said Singapore will adapt to the changes and continue to be friends with all.

“We value the centrality of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its efforts to foster regional cooperation and integration. We hope for stable U.S.-China relations and will continue engaging both powers,” he noted.

He also vowed to improve trust within local society, and push the country forward with common purpose and shared resolve.

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Indonesian President-Elect awarded Order of Zayed

His Excellency Subianto conveyed the greetings of His Excellency President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, along with his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia and the President-elect, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Excellency Subianto conveyed the greetings of His Excellency President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, along with his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE. In return, His Highness extended his best wishes for further prosperity and development to His Excellency President Widodo and the friendly people of Indonesia.

His Highness extended his congratulations once more to His Excellency Prabowo Subianto on his recent victory in the Indonesian presidential elections. His Highness expressed his best wishes for His Excellency Subianto’s success in guiding his nation through the forthcoming period and in meeting the aspirations of his people. Furthermore, His Highness the President emphasised his keen interest in leveraging the robust strategic ties between the UAE and Indonesia to deepen cooperation and foster shared development and prosperity.

During their meeting, His Highness and the Indonesian Defence Minister discussed bilateral relations, particularly in defence and military affairs, and ways to enhance them for the benefit of both nations. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded His Excellency Prabowo Subianto the Order of Zayed during the meeting in recognition of his sincere efforts and his role in enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia.

In response, the Indonesian Defence Minister expressed his appreciation to His Highness, as well as his pride in receiving this medal named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a revered global humanitarian figure. He also expressed his hope for continued development and growth in the relations between the two countries to fulfil their mutual aspirations.

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