NEW DELHI, 26 October 2021, (TON): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 18th ASEAN-India Summit to be held virtually on October 28, at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei.

The Summit will be attended by Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN Countries.

A PMO release stated that the 18th ASEAN-India Summit will review the status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take stock of progress made in key areas including Health, Trade & Commerce, Connectivity, and Education & Culture.

Important regional and international developments including post-pandemic economic recovery will also be discussed.

ASEAN-India Summits are held annually and provide an opportunity for India and ASEAN to engage at the highest level. Prime Minister attended the 17th ASEAN-India Summit held virtually in November last year. 18th ASEAN-India Summit will be the ninth ASEAN-India Summit to be attended by him.

ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical, and civilizational ties. ASEAN is central to our Act East Policy and our wider vision of the Indo-Pacific.

"The year 2022 will mark 30 years of ASEAN-India relations. India and ASEAN have several dialogue mechanisms which meet regularly, including a Summit, Ministerial meetings and Senior Officials' meetings. External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar attended the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting and EAS Foreign Ministers'' Meeting in August 2021 virtually.

PM Office said “Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Anupriya Patel attended the ASEAN Economic Ministers + India Consultations held virtually in September 2021 where the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen economic cooperation.”