Two weeks from now, New Delhi will host the heads of states of 10 ASEAN member countries. The presence of these guests at the Republic Day parade, after participating in the summit, will be show of strength and is likely to send a strong message about India’s growing presence in the region, especially to China.
By gathering political leadership of 10 countries, India aims to project itself as powerful and trusted ally of the ASEAN, where strategic partnership, trade and connectivity becomes the backbone. Giving a hint at the cultural linkages between these countries, which will help in cementing ties, Ramayana troupes from all these countries will perform here.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has been meeting leaders from these countries, who are egging on India to play a greater role in the region. “Repeated refrain we picked up was the desire on the part of all ASEAN countries for greater presence of India, greater cooperation with India, greater integration be it economically, politically and people-to-people contact,” Preeti Saran, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs said.
As leaders will gather in Delhi, issues related to greater connectivity, trade, terrorism and closer coordination will be on agenda. The summit will mark 25 years of India-ASEAN ties, 15 years of summit partnership and five years of strategic partnership.
The ASEAN-India summit will begin with banquet by President Ramnath Kovind, followed by leaders retreat hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both of these events will be at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Modi has planned the 'Leaders Retreat' as a closed door exclusive meeting with visiting heads of the state. “Free and frank discussions on the future of India-ASEAN and the shared values and common destiny will be the theme,” Saran added. The retreat will help Modi connect directly with the political leadership of these countries.
This will be followed by a plenary of the summit, on the first day of the summit on January 25. Next day, all leaders will be present at the Republic Day parade.
Saran said 10 heads of state have already confirmed their participation in the summit. Leaders from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei will attend the summit.
