Jakarta: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the opening of an Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste, stating that it was a sign of the value India places on the ASEAN and its ties to the region. Modi was in Indonesia for a day-long visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement in which it stated: “At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta on September 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced a decision to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.”
According to the statement, “the choice is a reflection of the importance India accords to ASEAN and its relations with Timor-Leste.”
The decision was enthusiastically embraced by ASEAN members and Timor-Leste, according to the ministry.
Timor-Leste first became an observer member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2022.
The regional group, according to Modi’s remarks at the ASEAN-India summit on Thursday morning in Jakarta, is the focal point of India’s Act East Policy.
On his arrival to the summit, he was greeted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Earlier, he had also met Indian diaspora residents.
The 18th East Asia Summit was also attended by the prime minister.
