India-Asean Delhi Dialogue V highlights global peace and security
THE opening ceremony of the inaugural session of India-Asean Delhi Dialogue V organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in partnership with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and supported by the SAEA Group Research, Singapore and Economic Research Institute of Asean and East Asia (ERIA), Jakarta, highlighted the importance of peace, progress and prosperity between India and Asean member countries that runs with the theme “India-Asean Vision for Partnership and Prosperity”.
Salman Khurshid, the Minister of External Affairs, in his keynote address emphasised on the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resurgent Asia shared by India and Asean member countries that has made a contribution to global peace and security.
Group photo of the participants of the dialogue
According to the minister, India and Asean share a dynamic economic space which houses a quarter of humanity, and has a combined GDP of USD 3.8 trillion.
“Political, economic and security structures are evolving globally, and, in a more pronounced manner, in East Asia. Asean and India are and will remain natural partners in defying their perspectives and addressing their common requirements of economic growth and prosperity,” he added.
In his speech, the minister also highlighted the issues of international terrorism, transnational organised crime, money laundering, drug-trafficking, information and cyber security issues that require a demand of great collaboration of effort by the international community.
He then urged that these issues require new innovative solutions that can remain ahead of the growing complicity for the repercussion for global and regional security.
The minister also stated that connectivity with Asean member countries is consequential to India be it through geographical, institutional or people-to-people and that relevant mechanisms have been conducted to further enhance this connectivity, including some ministerial level.
He further emphasised virtual networks are a way of connecting the region and that India has welcomed Asean Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Master Plan 2015 and also the efforts to strengthen Asean-India Connectivity in ICT and as an initial step, India is exploring capacity building programmes and sharing best practices in technological development and policy regulations related to e-connectivity.
The recent inaugural session of the Dialogue V also saw the presence of Dato Paduka Haji Sidek Ali, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to India, as well as other prominent figures from the respective Asean countries as well as India.
The India-Asean Delhi Dialogue V highlighted India’s increasing engagement with Asean countries and explored the agenda for consolidation of their relationship in the coming years. The dialogue also assessed and incorporated issues and perspectives which have emerged from the India-Asean Commemorative Summit 2012 to help identify areas of greater engagement between India and Asean member countries.
During the session, participants and speakers had the opportunity to discuss on several important issues related to the “India-Asean Security Cooperation: Towards Peace and Stability”, “Non-Traditional Security Challenges: Food Security, Water Management and Pandemics”, “Future Global Energy market” Role of New and renewable Energy in Sustainable Development”, “Cooperation between CLMV Countries and North-East India: Opportunities and Challenges” and “Expanding Networking through Connectivity: Land, Sea and Air”.
