India has asked BIMSTEC member countries for early ratification of the Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Trans-National Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said this while addressing the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar today. BIMSTEC group comprises seven countries which include India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Srilanka.

Dr. Singh said an early signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters will help in combating trans boundary crimes. Dr. Singh said, connectivity and integration across a fragmented Asia are becoming the new vehicles for advancing peace and prosperity in the region.

On connectivity, the Prime Minister said, India is working with BIMSTEC to improve physical connectivity through various projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, the Asian Highway Network, the ASEAN Master Plan for Connectivity and others.

He said, India will also soon launch a direct shipping line to Myanmar to enhance the region’s growing maritime links. The Indian Prime Minister also called upon the member countries for an early conclusion of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement for trade in goods and extend it to investment and services.

On Energy, Dr. Singh stressed on connecting each other through transmission highways and gas and oil pipelines, while also examining opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy sources.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chairman of the Summit and President of Myanmar Thein Sein, said that in a globalized world regional groupings of nations with common culture and interests is the need of the hour.

He said, faced with new threats of climate change, energy and food security BIMSTEC nations have to combine their strength and resources in addressing the challenges of poverty alleviation and improving livelihood of the people.

AIR correspondent reports that prior to the commencement of the summit the member countries signed some Memorandums of Association.