A series of events will be held during the course of 2017 to mark the silver jubilee of the Association of South East Asian NAtions (ASEAN)-India dialogue partnership, which was sealed on January 28, 1992.
(File) ASEAN logo
Reflecting the theme of 'shared values, common destiny', these events, said external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, will span political, economic, cultural and people to people spheres, the highlight of which will be a commemorative summit and a commemorative Foreign ministers' meeting in India.
Philippines president and ASEAN chair for 2017, Rodrigo Duterte, sent a congratulatory message to Prime minister Narendra Modi. He praised India's initiatives and made special note of India's commitment to one billion US dollars line of credit for connectivity with ASEAN.
Modi, in his message to Duetrte, observed that India's Act East policy is a reflection of the importance India gives to the strategic partnership with ASEAN. As of today, there are 30 dialogue mechanisms between India and ASEAN, on areas ranging from foreign affairs, commerce, tourism and renewable energy. India is ASEAN's seventh largest trading partner.