India on ASEAN’s mind

Smita Sharma

Envoys of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in India have their hands full this holiday season. As New Delhi gears up to welcome the 10 ASEAN heads of governments as chief guest for Republic Day, it is proving quite a mammoth logistical task.

Security teams from respective countries will start arriving this week onwards. Official activities kick off with the ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit on December 11 followed by the Business Investment Meet and Expo, Weaving Textile Relationship, Business Council Forum, Mekong Ganga Cooperation Business Conclave, Youth Awards and a film festival from February 4 to 9.

On January 25, leaders would be hosted for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind, followed by a plenary and cultural evening and a banquet. India’s show of its Constitutional strength and military might on Rajpath and bilateral meetings on January 26 will culminate the engagement.

Thailand’s ambassador to India Chutintorn Gongsakdi feels the symbolism in the invitation is not lost on anyone. “ASEAN is investing in its future with an emerging economy like India. ASEAN leaders cannot avoid being here,” says the envoy.

Outcome documents

Meanwhile, outcome documents are being negotiated in Jakarta by permanent representatives. The aim is to finalise the blueprint and have it endorsed by senior officials in Delhi on December 23. It is likely to focus on renewable energy, International Solar Alliance, South China Sea, and connectivity issues along with terrorism.

“Thailand would like to see a celebratory document of 25 years of the India-ASEAN relationship hinting at what the future looks like. Next year, a plan of action is to be adopted. Therefore, this document would be a leaders’ declaration for guidance,” says the Thai Ambassador.

“There is an opportunity for ASEAN to play a role as Indo-Pacific is a reality. ASEAN is there and has a role but much is to be done through inclusive participation without being a threat to anyone,” he says.

Interestingly, new ASEAN secretary general Lim Jock Hoi dons several hats of particular use to India. He handles all of Brunei’s trade relations and is key to Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings as well as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) negotiations.

Chinese embassy on Twitter

To welcome the merry season, ‘Tree of Happiness’ at Le Meridien Hotel was lit up by Vetsop Namgyel, the Ambassador of Bhutan, the kingdom with gross national happiness index.

And surprise. Stepping out of the WeChat forum, the Chinese embassy in India can now greet people on Twitter through their official handle @ChinaEmbDelhi launched last week. The handle so far has posted a single tweet announcing the Russia-India-China trilateral being held on Monday. Happy tweeting!