Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Laos capital Vientiane tomorrow to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN-India Summit. On Thursday, Mr Modi will attend the 11th East Asia Summit. On the sidelines, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with several leaders.
AIR correspondent reports that India’s engagement with ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific Region has acquired further momentum following the enunciation of the Act East Policy by Mr. Modi. Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Suresh Kumar Reddy told media that the ASEAN summit is expected to set the agenda for further strengthening the ties which will help India to achieve its objectives for Socio-Economic Growth.
Mr Reddy said, the summit will provide valuable partners to India who can bring technology, resources and who can support Indian industries. He further added that the areas in which further cooperation between India & ASEAN countries are required are Agriculture, Climate Change, Non-traditional security areas, and cyber crimes and strengthening connectivity.
Meanwhile, the 28th ASEAN Summit began in Vientiane today. During the summit, the world leaders will review the progress of implementation of the ASEAN Community Blueprints 2025. The ASEAN leaders are scheduled to meet the heads of state, government of ASEAN dialogue partners which include China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia and the United States.