On July 21, 2021, while addressing the 11th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting, S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister called for a “collective and collaborative” response to effectively deal with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, saying that national boundaries are not respected by this virus.
Key Points
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India considers the Mekong region to be an important teritory and hence seeks a multi-dimensional engagement with Mekong countries.
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India wants to identify newer areas of cooperation and subsequently broaden the partnership with the countries.
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Addressing the meeting, S Jaishankar said that India wants to promote better connectivity in this region through economic, digital and people-to-people connectivity.
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In the meeting, finding ways to fight the pandemic through better MGC partnership was reflected upon. S Jaishankar said that the partner nations need to work together in order to address the crisis.
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India said that Mekong Ganga Cooperation stands on a strong foundation based on shared historical and geographical ties, and cooperation among the countries should be improved to bring progress and prosperity.
About MGC Initiative
The MGC initiative was launched in the year 2000 with the aim to boost cooperation in tourism, connectivity and culture and other range of areas. This initiative comprises six countries, they are: India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.