ASEAN-India Partnership Will Continue To Grow, Says Prime Minister Modi
India’s partnership with Asean countries to strengthen over time, says Modi.
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India’s partnership with south east Asian nations will continue to strengthen with the rapidly maturing economies engaging in increased trade and investment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in an opinion column in the Bangkok Post.
“With the gift of demography, dynamism and demand, India and Asean will build a strong economic partnership,” wrote Modi, emphasising that a connected Northeast will pave way for strong Asean-India ties.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. Nearly 25 years ago, India partnered with Asean nations for free trade and investment activities. Over the years, the trade, investment flows have ‘multiplied several times’ noted Modi.
On Thursday, India hosted Asean leaders for the Commemorative Summit to mark 25 years of the nations’ partnership.
Along the way, from dialogue partners, Asean and India have become strategic partners. We have growing diplomatic, economic and security partnership with each Asean member, and we work together to keep our seas safe and secure.Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister
Asean countries are India’s leading source of investments, led by Singapore, said Modi. Thailand, in particular has emerged as an important trading partner as trade between the nation and India has more than doubled over the years, he added.
Asean and India have “immense” opportunities to deliberate upon going ahead, said the Prime Minister, even as constant change and disruptions pose a potential roadblocks to trade. India’s partnership with the countries will also play a “defining role” in our association with the East and the Indo-Pacific Region, he added.