India-ASEAN Summit 2019

Why in the News?

• The Prime Minister of India attended the 16^th India-ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on November 03, 2019.

What are the highlights?

• Along with this Summit, the other summits that took place in Thailand are-
• 35^th ASEAN Summit,
• 14^th East Asia Summit, and
•  meeting of RCEP countries
• During the summit, the discussions were held to promote India-ASEAN strategic partnership along with cooperation in the field of maritime security and blue economy, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, and innovation.
• On the socio-cultural front, the focus was made on enhancing people-to-people connectivity, cultural exchanges, humanitarian aid, and tourism.
• The Prime Minister also talked about the mutual coordination between India's vision of the Indo-Pacific region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Outlook for maintaining strategic balance in the region, which has been witnessing growing Chinese assertiveness.
• At the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, a trade negotiation deal is yet to be finalized after considering all issues that concern Indian interests in trade in goods, services, and investments.
• The PM addressed the Indian community at the 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event in Bangkok.
• In the Thai language, the word ‘Sawasdee’ is used for greetings and goodbye.

During the visit, the Indian PM held bilateral meetings with a number of other world leaders present at Bangkok. What are the important ones?

India-Myanmar

1. The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Myanmar to India's Look East Policy and the Neighbourhood First policies.
2. The emphasis was laid on building a stable and peaceful border by improving physical connectivity to and through Myanmar to Southeast Asia via. building roads, ports, and expansion of air connectivity.
3. India would continue to support the capacity expansion programme for Myanmar's police, military and civil servants, as well as its students and citizens.
4. India plans to host a business event for the CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) in Yangon at the end of November 2019.

India-Indonesia

1. India and Indonesia agreed to work together for peace, security, and prosperity in order to achieve their shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. The two leaders discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely bilaterally and globally to tackle this menace.
3. India is working with Indonesia to strengthen the ties in the areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
4. The Indian PM highlighted the need for greater market access for Indian commodities in Indonesia including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products.
5. India shares a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia. And this year (2019), India and Indonesia commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

India-Thailand

1. India and Thailand agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and defence industries sector.
2. Emphasis was laid to enhance connectivity between the two countries, including in the areas of physical and digital connectivity.
3. Thailand 4.0 initiative of transforming Thailand into a value-based economy is complementary to India’s priorities Digital India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities, Jal Jeevan Mission, etc.
4. In the contemporary context, India’s Act East policy is complemented by Thailand’s Look West policy which has made the relationship deep, robust and multifaceted.