A 3-day seminar on India, South East Asia inaugurated in AP

Visakhapatnam, Mar 26 (UNI) The former Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador I P Khosla here today inaugurated a three-day International seminar on India and South East Asia strategic convergence in the 21st Century, organised by the Centre for SAARC Studies Department of Andhra university.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khosla said India and the South East Asian countries need to concentrate more on internal and external security threats, as the growing terrorism in the region was alarming. The region should create a new 'Fora' and 'Institutions' in the country, he added.

The former additional cabinet secretary B Raman said India should adopt cautious approach in its foreign affairs, especially with United States and before forging ties with Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN).

Mr Raman said both India and the ASEAN were facing terrorism threats and inadequate security for Maritime. Though the ASEAN preferred Cooperative Multilateralism and Institutionalism in dealing with external powers, it, however, defies logic, as balance of power was not envisaged, he added.

He said India would expand its role on economic ties, through trade and investment arrangements in a phased manner, region-wise.

The significance of India's role in ASEAN was amply evident when steps were initiated to set up Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation(BIMSTEC) forum.

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