AMN
India has proposed a joint task force on connectivity in India-ASEAN Region to work on extension of India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highways to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during the 14th ASEAN-India Summit at Vientiane, Laos today.
He also announced to enhance the ASEAN-India fund with an additional grant of 50 million US dollars in the area of Science & Technology. He said India is willing to march with ASEAN to fulfill promise and potential of strategic engagement.
Earlier, in his opening address at the summit, the Prime Minister said that India-ASEAN relations are driven by common priorities, bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the region. He said enhancing connectivity is central to this partnership which is driven by linking our economic success and development experiences. He said India is committed to ASEAN connectivity master plan.
Expressing deep concern over terrorism, Mr. Modi said export of terror, growing radicalization and spread of extreme violence are common security threats to our societies. He also announced hosting a commemorative summit on shared values, common destiny next year. Mr Modi and leaders of 10 ASEAN nations participated in the summit.
On the sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had bilateral meeting with South Korean President Park Guen-Hye. Two leaders reviewed bilateral relations which were upgraded to special strategic partnership last year during Mr. Modi’s visit to South Korea. Two leaders discussed further cooperation in areas like counter terrorism and maritime security. The two leaders reviewed progress of negotiations to improve India-South Korea comprehensive economic partnership agreement and also 10 billion US dollar package announced last year for infrastructure development in India. The Prime Minister also met the State Councillor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile the eleventh East Asia summit began a shortwhile ago in Vientiane, Laos. The summit is being attended by leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries and 8 countries including India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama are participating in the summit. Leaders are likely to discuss issues like maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and irregular migration.