India and the 10-member Southeast Asian nation-ASEAN-have agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategically crucial areas of maritime security. India has urged ASEAN for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.

A vision document said south-east asian nations have agreed to promote maritime cooperation, which include sea piracy, search and rescue at sea, maritime environment, maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries, and other areas.

Addressing the heads of States and Governments of the ten nation ASEAN grouping at the plenary session of the India-Asean Commemorative Summit in New Delhi yesterday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for enhanced maritime cooperation.

Dr Singh said conclusion of negotiations of the INDIA-ASEAN Free Trade Agreeement on Services and investment is a milestone in the age old civilisational and maritime links between the countries in the region.

India and the ASEAN have finalised a free trade agreement in services and investments which targeted an ambitious two-way commerce of 200 billion USD by 2022. The move would give Indian professionals like accountants, engineers and doctors access to the 800 million Southeast Asian market.