Deputy PM: ASEAN, India need to tighten partnership

Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Indian counterpart Sushuma Swarai on August 25 attended the third Round Table on ASEAN- India Network of Think-Tanks (AINTT) ongoing in Hanoi from August 25-26.

The third Roundtable covers three main sessions, each of which discusses the basis issues, challenges and prospects in the process of integration and development between ASEAN and India such as investment cooperation, development of connectivity and economic cooperation integration.

Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh

This Round Table, attended by 25 participants, will also discuss a number of regional issues, which have policy implications on the process of regional integration of ASEAN and India.

AINTT Roundtable is held every year aiming to exchange ideas, research results, plans and proposals as a contribution to boosting a deeper integration between India and ASEAN countries, as well as building a stable and sustainable environment of development.

In his speech, Deputy PM Binh Minh emphasized the indispensable role of India in promoting relations between ASEAN and regional countries.

“When ASEAN becomes a united community with full commitments and India becomes a powerful nation within the next 5—10 years, India-ASEAN relations will enter a new development period in which both sides need to build a stronger strategic partnership.” Minh said.

Minister Sushuma Swarai said trade and economic cooperation is also one of India’s priorities given to ASEAN countries. She said she hopes practical proposals will be made at this meeting to propel India-ASEAN relationship forward.

Indian Foreign Minister Sushuma Swarai.

The 3^rd AINTT Roundtable themed "India-ASEAN: Integration and Development" was held by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Indian institutions.