Explorer

India's engagement with ASEAN reflected by our 'Act East Policy': Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday highlighted the efforts of India to tighten its ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while maintaining that New Delhi's engagement in South-East Asia is reflected by their 'Look East Policy' becoming 'Act East Policy'.

"We have enhanced our engagement in South-East Asia. This was reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in 2014 at the India-ASEAN Summit in Myanmar where he declared that India's 'Look East Policy' has become 'Act East Policy'," Swaraj said while addressing the ministerial session of 'Delhi Dialogue-IX'.

Swaraj reiterated the same, saying that India places ASEAN at heart of its 'Act East Policy' and center of its dream of an Asian century.

The External Affairs Minister stressed on the future focus areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN countries, describing them in terms of three Cs.

"Future focus areas of cooperation between ASEAN member states and India can be described in term of 3Cs- Commerce, Connectivity and Culture," she said.

Talking about the very recent Goods and Service Tax (GST) rollout by the Centre, Swaraj invited companies from ASEAN countries to invest in India and thereby, gain advantage out of it.

"Recently, the Government launched the GST, the biggest tax reform since Independence. These steps opened new opportunities for trade, investment into India. I invite companies from the ASEAN countries to take advantage of these opportunities for investment in India, in numerous sectors," she said.

Swaraj also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Government in the recent times.

"Today, India is one of fastest growing major economies in the world. In the last three years, the Government of India has undertaken a number of initiatives. We have also introduced a series of reforms to improve the business environment in India," Swaraj said.

"We are making efforts on all fronts to enhance physical and digital connectivity," she added.

Very shortly, India will launch the India-ASEAN women business forum which will establish a network of women entrepreneurs and professionals, thereby facilitating regular engagement and contribution of women leaders in enhancing trade and investment.

"We have planned a youth summit in August to bring our young leaders together," Swaraj further said.

The ninth edition of Delhi Dialogue is underway in New Delhi, the theme of which is 'India-ASEAN relations: Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years'. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections: Report
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

'Murkhta Ke 3 Levels Hote Hai': BJP Leader &  Minister of Urban Development Hardeep Puri At ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024Is BJP Bluffing Over 400-Mark? Check Anurag Thakur's Response At ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024 | ABP News'Jeet Ki Guarantee Kya Hai?', BJP Leader &  Minister of Urban Development Hardeep Puri Answers | ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024: BJP Leader &  Minister of Urban Development Hardeep Puri On CAA
Embed widget