How has ASEAN Recognized India's Dedicated Support?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's commitment to ASEAN Centrality is unwavering.
- Ambassador Srinivas Gotru aims to strengthen ties further.
- ASEAN praised India's active participation in regional mechanisms.
- The ASEAN-India strategic partnership has evolved significantly.
- 2022 marked 30 years of ASEAN-India relations.
Jakarta, Aug 6 (NationPress) The unwavering support of India for ASEAN Centrality and its community-building initiatives, along with active engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms and forums, received high praise from ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn. This recognition came during a meeting with the newly-appointed Indian Ambassador Srinivas Gotru on Wednesday.
Ambassador Gotru presented his Letter of Credence to the Secretary General of ASEAN at the organization’s headquarters, marking his official start as India’s representative to the Association of South East Asian Nations.
In congratulating Ambassador Gotru, the Secretary General expressed the Secretariat’s commitment to collaborate closely with the Indian Ambassador and the Indian Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, with an aim to enhance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
In a statement from the Secretary General's office, it was noted, "Secretary-General Dr. Kao praised India’s ongoing support for ASEAN Centrality and community-building efforts, as well as its robust participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and forums."
Ambassador Gotru reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the ASEAN-India CSP, ensuring a seamless continuation of initiatives to bolster ties between India and ASEAN. He expressed eagerness to work alongside the ASEAN Secretariat to promote cooperative advancements.
Ambassador Gotru takes over from Ambassador Jayant N. Khobragade, who completed his term on August 2. India began its diplomatic engagement with ASEAN in 2010 with the accreditation of an Ambassador and established a dedicated mission in 2015.
India's formal interaction with ASEAN commenced in 1992 as a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' and transitioned to a 'Dialogue Partner' in 1995, with initial engagements at the Foreign Minister level. This was elevated to Summit level discussions in 2002.
The relationship was marked by a commemorative summit in New Delhi in December 2012, celebrating the 20th anniversary and raising the Dialogue Partnership to a Strategic Partnership.
During the 25-year commemorative summit in January 2018, India and ASEAN agreed to focus their strategic partnership on fostering cooperation in the maritime domain.
2022 celebrated 30 years of ASEAN-India relations, recognized as the 'ASEAN-India Friendship Year'. A significant outcome was the elevation of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership to CSP.