In the run-up to the India-ASEAN summit, 16 events have been organised to commemorate 25 years of New Delhi's close ties with the southeast bloc. Leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries have confirmed their participation in the summit, as well as India's Republic Day celebrations.
The leaders will arrive in New Delhi on January 24 and after the plenary the next day, will retreat to Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan to have an exclusive interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a range of issues in an informal ambiance. The summit comes in the backdrop of increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region.
The events lined up in the run-up to the summit have a common focus — to enhance commerce, connectivity, and promote culture. The first such event is taking place at Rajgir in Bihar on Thursday to recreate an ancient ambiance of Nalanda University. Among other events, artists belonging to ASEAN nations will be playing Ramayana. Preeti Saran, Secretary East in the External Affairs Ministry, told reporters here since Ramayana is played in their countries except Vietnam, artists from these countries will enact the epic in various cities.
The leaders will deliberate on strengthening ties in counter-terrorism, security, and trade. Experts feel that the meet can be an opportunity for India to present itself as a powerful ally to these countries in the strategic areas of trade and connectivity. Leaders from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei will attend the summit. Spouses of some of the leaders are also expected to come and a special programme is also being chalked out for them, said Anurag Bhushan, joint-secretary (ASEAN). When asked whether security and counter-terrorism will be discussed, Saran said these issues "always remain on agenda".
EXPERTS SPEAK
- Experts feel that the meet can be an opportunity for India to present itself as a powerful ally to these countries in strategic areas of trade and connectivity.
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