Jakarta, May 29, 2025 — The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, has lauded the Indian Parliament’s proactive engagement in fostering inter-parliamentary dialogue and strengthening ASEAN-India cooperation. This commendation came during a courtesy call by an all-party delegation of Indian Parliamentarians at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Dr. Kao highlighted India’s active participation as an observer in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), emphasizing the importance of aligning legislative and executive efforts to advance ASEAN’s regional priorities. He reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India, noting that such collaborations are vital for regional stability and growth.
The discussions also encompassed pressing global issues, including transnational crime, terrorism, and violent extremism. Both sides exchanged views on combating these challenges, with Dr. Kao expressing appreciation for India’s principled approach and unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism.
The Indian delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, is on a diplomatic mission to various countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as part of India’s global outreach to garner support against terrorism. In Indonesia, the delegation also met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arief Havas Oegroseno, who reiterated Indonesia’s condemnation of terrorism and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
This engagement underscores the deepening ties between India and ASEAN, reflecting a shared commitment to regional cooperation, peace, and security.
