New Delhi sources have stated that the head of the state of the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) nations have started arriving in New Delhi on Wednesday. Leaders from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam will be in India for the India-ASEAN commemorative summit that is scheduled to be held on Thursday.
Meanwhile the highest level of participation at the summit comes in the backdrop of increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region. Moreover this Republic Day parade on Friday will witness a record setting presence of ASEAN leaders. This comes at a time when India is keen on changing its 'Look East' policy to 'Act East' policy.
Defense
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "The Prime Minister's intention that the 'Look
East' policy should now be the 'Act East' policy is really taking shape”. Furthermore
according to officials, before the summit, discussions are also being held
between the working groups of India and ASEAN to step up air and maritime
connectivity.
