Negotiations on regional comprehensive economic partnership are being launched in the East Asia summit, EAS, that is in progress in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said ahead of the summit it will be a springboard for rapid expansion in our economic relations. Our correspondent covering the summit reports Maritime
security will figure prominently in the Summit. This issue was
strongly taken up by ASEAN leaders in the ASEAN summit.
Ten Southeast Asian nations have agreed on a code of conduct to Prevent armed clashes over the South China Sea. The code spells out rules governing maritime rights and navigation in the Sea. India favours a code of conduct in the sea lanes to ensure peace and security. EAS will also discuss on several aspects of cooperation in energy, education and disaster management apart from other regional and international issues.
Earlier Dr. Singh held a meeting with Prime Minister of Japan. Official sources said while describing the relations as warm, Yoshihiko Noda said India is strategic partner of Japan. Prime Minister Dr. Singh responded with similar sentiments. The meeting took place after annual summit was postponed due to political turmoil in Tokyo. Civil nuclear cooperation came up for discussion said official sources. Japan has made it clear that it has not shut the door on a civilian nuclear deal with India. Japan has already pledged 4.5 billion dollars for Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project in five years. The Prime Minister in this talks with Brunei's Prime Minister Sultan Bolkiah discussed a host of important aspects including supply of gas.
In his remarks to the India ASEAN meeting last evening Dr Manmohan Singh announced that India is ready to conclude Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment with ASEAN by next month as he invited Investments from the grouping. Dr. Singh also said India’s relationship with the grouping continues to grow in all dimensions, with commerce and connectivity being vital areas of this relationship in which good progress has been made. He said India would offer its own resources, expertise and experience to support growth and development in ASEAN countries, where such needs exist.