The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, today resolved to significantly enhance cooperation with India in combating growing challenges of maritime security, terrorism, drug trafficking and cyber crime besides expanding trade ties.

The 10-nation grouping, particularly emphasised on close engagement with India to on maritime security, and freedom of navigation. The comments by ASEAN came on a day when the dispute relating to China's territorial claims over the South China Sea was dominating the meeting of foreign ministers of the powerful bloc in Myannar's capital city, Nay Pyi Taw.

Addressing the 12th India-ASEAN meeting yesterday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said India supports freedom of navigation and access to resources in the South China Sea in accordance with principles of international law. State-run ONGC Videsh Limited has operation in number of oil blocks in South China Sea which were offered to it by Vietnam.China has been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in the disputed waters.

Seeking better ties with India, the grouping said it was looking forward to signing of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement in services and investment at the forthcoming meeting of Economic and Trade Ministers later this month.