Maritime focus for India, ASEAN

Maritime focus for India, ASEAN

Context

The ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit of January 25 is likely to focus on maritime security for the region, a senior ASEAN diplomat said on Wednesday

Major issues: Maritime Security and Connectivity

Ambassador of Thailand Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi said that ASEAN expects India to highlight maritime security during the summit, even as the Ministry of External Affairs said that discussion on a “very important” MoU on maritime cooperation is ongoing alongside plans for enhancement of air connectivity

Other Topics

“We expect India to highlight maritime security (in the Commemorative Summit). This meeting is important and we hope that there will be serious discussions on maritime security, including freedom of navigation, piracy, keeping sea trading lanes clear. India attaches a lot of importance to maritime security and ASEAN countries are preparing for an intense discussion on that,” said Mr.Gongsakdi

Backdrop

The summit comes days after Ms Swaraj returned from a three-nation trip to Southeast Asia where she took stock of the ties and connectivity projects between India and the ASEAN region.