ASEAN Invites India to Combat Illegal Fishing and Develop Blue Economy

ASEAN SUMMIT 2023 - JAKARTA. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. In his opening speech, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the preparations for the G20 Summit.

Jokowi stated that the cooperation between ASEAN and India has indeed provided real benefits for the people. However, this collaboration still needs to be optimized. Especially considering the great potential of the Indian Ocean, which connects 33 countries with 2.9 billion people and one-fifth of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025.

"The potential of this cooperation can be pushed towards a blue economy, food security, maritime connectivity, and sustainable marine energy resources," said Jokowi at the JCC Senayan, on Thursday (7/9).

In addition, Jokowi mentioned that maritime crimes also need to be tackled such as piracy, human smuggling, drugs, and also Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

According to Jokowi, ASEAN-India must be able to make the sea a sea of cooperation and not a sea of confrontation. The sea must continue to be maintained for its stability, and peace, and by respecting international law. As well as encouraging cooperation efforts and building an inclusive regional architecture.

"This is the key to realizing a region capable of being an epicenter of growth," explained Jokowi.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, India supports ASEAN centrality and views related to the Indo-Pacific. Despite global uncertainties, Narendra encourages ASEAN-India to continue to make reciprocal cooperation in every sector.

"The 21st century is the Asian century, our century. To achieve this, it is important for us to build a rule space after the world order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we make collective efforts for the welfare of mankind," said Narendra.