‘India Japan Australia’ Trilateral & ASEAN

Why in news?

• The fourth trilateral between Foreign Secretaries of India, Japan and Australia was recently held in Delhi.
• Amid growing convergences, the countries have agreed to greater collaboration on maritime security and also reached out to ASEAN.

What were discussed in the meet?

• Three sides resolved for greater collaboration on maritime security, counter terrorism and disaster response capabilities.
• In a perceived jibe at China, the importance of peace, democracy, economic growth and a rule-based order was stressed.
• Also, commitment to regional connectivity, project transparency, financing, environmental & labour standards were reiterated.
• A statement underlining ASEAN’s centrality in the political and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region was also made.
• This further indicated the possibility of the trilateral grouping also co-operating with East Asian nations in the security domain.

How is India’s ASEAN outreach shaping up?

• India would be soon hosting a commemorative ASEAN-India summit in Delhi.
• The theme of the engagement is expected to be ‘3Cs’ – “Commerce, Connectivity & Culture”.
• Also, all 10 ASEAN-nation leaders will be the chief guests at the coming Republic Day parade.

Source: The Hindu