Modi calls for greater regional cooperation

Manila: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for further strengthening the India-ASEAN ties, given the untapped potential which is in the wider interest of the region.
Addressing the 15th India- ASEAN summit in the Philippine capital Manila on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said ASEAN nations are at the center of India's Act East policy.
Referring to the centuries old maritime ties between the two sides, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to take it forward.
Pledging India's support to ASEAN for a rules based regional security architecture, the Prime Minister said that the India-ASEAN plan of action has progressed well in covering the crucial pillars of their ties.
The Prime Minister said that time has come for India and ASEAN members to jointly fight terrorism.
The theme of 'Shared Values, Common Destiny' for the 25th anniversary of India- ASEAN is being jointly celebrated with a number of commemorative activities.
The Prime Minister said that 1.25 Billion Indians are waiting to welcome ASEAN leaders as the chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations next year.
The Prime Minister has been pitching for greater cooperation and economic ties within the grouping. Mutual trade and investment and cooperation in security and defence between India and ASEAN have registered a surge in the recent years.
In order to boost commercial and strategic cooperation with the South East Asian countries, India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and a summit level partner in 2002.
In 2014, India moved ahead from its 'Look East' policy to 'Act East' policy during East Asia summit and India-ASEAN summits in Myanmar.
Clearly, India and ASEAN nations are working to make the 21st century the century of Asia while building upon the strength of Indo-Pacific countries.