Modi for all-round connectivity with ASEAN grouping

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India’s major priority with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping was to enhance all kinds of connectivity, including in social, digital and financial spheres.

“We believe a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is needed for security and growth for all in the region,” he said in his remarks at a virtual summit between India and ASEAN.

The PM also reiterated India’s offer of $1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN connectivity. “Enhancing every type of connectivity between India and ASEAN —physical, economic, social, digital, financial, maritime — is a major priority for us. In the last few years, we have come close to all these areas,” observed the PM.

The interaction, however, took place against the development of the ASEAN group planning to ink a regional free trade agreement with five countries on Sunday without waiting for India.