Strengthening maritime security and enhancing trade with ASEAN countries will figure prominently in the 10th India-ASEAN and 7th East Asia Summits in the Cambodian capital Phonem Phen. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is leaving New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the three-day summit. Official sources said New Delhi is likely to push for widening Free Trade Area (FTA). The trade between India and ASEAN remained at 79 Billion dollars in 2011-12. The Free Trade Area agreement became operational in August last year and India is negotiating with the ASEAN countries to include FTA in services and investments. Prime Minister, who is accompanied by a high level delegation, will also review mutual relations since last summit in Indonesia in 2011. Maritime security will also figure in the East Asia Summit apart from trade. Around 50 thousand ships are using the international waters in the East Asian region. The East Asia Summit will also discuss cooperation in energy, education, disaster management and pandemics apart from other regional and international issues during the retreat session of the summit. According to Ministry of External Affairs, leaders of the grouping will discuss special ASEAN-India commemorative summit being held in New Delhi for two days from 20th of next month.

AIR Correspondent covering the Prime Minister’s visit reports that the summit will adopt a declaration apart from response of the region to Malaria control and launch of regional comprehensive partnership. Dr. Manmohan Singh is expected to meet several heads of the nations including Russia. A meeting with Chinese Premier and other world leaders is also expected on the sidelines of the visit.