Strengthening mutual trade and investment and further enhancing cooperation in agriculture, energy and tourism sectors will be the focus of the 9th India-ASEAN Summit and 6th East Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will leave for Bali on Thursday morning to participate in these meetings. Mr. Sanjay Singh, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi on Thursday that he will also hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Barack Obama when he meets him on Friday on the sidelines of the Summits.

India- ASEAN Summit will take stock of India's relations with the Association of 10 South East Asian countries, ASEAN. Mr. Sanjay Singh stated that India's relations with these Countries have witnessed rapid growth in past 20 years.

Mr. Singh informed that India will host a commemorative India-ASEAN Summit next year. A car rally from Indonesia to India will be organised as part of the various activities planned to celebrate this event.

Mr. Sanjay Singh said that India- ASEAN trade in goods Agreement is already in place and negotiations for conclusion of India- ASEAN trade in services and trade in agreements are underway. He informed that there was 30 per cent increase in total bilateral trade between India and ASEAN countries in 2010-11.

ASEAN Summit and related Summits will be held in Bali from 17th to 19th November. India is a dialogue partner with the ASEAN. Dr. Singh will also visit Singapore on the 19th and 20th November after the India- ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Bali.