Basics:
- It is a Track One inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) which is attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states.
- Originally known as the Asia Security Summit was initiated in 2002 in response to the evident need for a forum where Asia-Pacific defence ministers could engage in dialogue aimed at building confidence and fostering practical cooperation.
- The summit serves to cultivate a sense of community among the most important policymakers in the defence and security community in the region.
Note
- The forum gets its name from the Shangri La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.
- While primarily an inter-governmental meeting, the summit is also attended by legislators, academic experts, business delegates, think tank analysts, media and other NGO personnel.
PM Speech:
Mr. Modi’s speech proclaimed India’s ambitions to garner influence in the Indo-Pacific region by:
- Increasing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Developing friendship with China
- Maintaining cordial ties with Russia
- Pursuing interests with Australia and
- Engaging more with the U.S.
