Accordingly shoring up India's trade and security ties with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the backdrop of China's rising economic and military influence over the region is expected to be the top focus of prime minister Narendra Modi's summit level engagement with leaders of the powerful bloc during his three day visit here from Saturday. Meanwhile the biggest talking point, ahead of the ASEAN summit in Nonthaburi, a vibrant city north of Bangkok, has been the final leg of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal and whether india joins the bandwagon.
Furthermore, if finalized, the RCEP deal will facilitate creation of the biggest free trade region in the world. india is still engaged with the RCEP member countries to resolve some of the "critical issues" relating to the deal ahead of the summit talks of the grouping's leaders on monday which will also be attended by Modi.
Moreover besides attending the India-ASEAN and RCEP summits, the prime minister will also attend the annual east Asia summit which is expected to review the evolving security scenario in the region besides deliberating on ways to deal with the threat of terrorism and radicalization. Apart from the 10 ASEAN Member states, east Asia Summit includes india, china, japan, Republic of korea, australia, new zealand, united states and Russia. Perhaps in the ASEAN-India summit, both sides are expected to explore ways to further enhance trade and investment ties.
