India has been following a "Look East Policy” since 1990s. India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992, which was upgraded to full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002, we have had annual Summits with ASEAN. To mark the 20th anniversary of our dialogue-level partnership and the 10th anniversary of our Summit-level partnership with ASEAN, India would be hosting the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit on the theme "ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace and Shared Prosperity”.
Enhancing relations with ASEAN has been central to India’s "Look East Policy” and there has been steady progress in the ASEAN-India relations since the policy was initiated in early 90s. India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992, which was upgraded to full dialogue partnership in 1996. Since 2002, we have had annual Summits with ASEAN.
ASEAN and India share the desire that the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit be the culmination of a year-long celebration of the partnership. India is planning a number of Government to Government activities and People to People initiatives in consultation with ASEAN capitals in the run up to the Summit during the Commemorative year. The Logo for the Commemorative Summit was launched by External Affairs Minister at a special event organized on the side-lines of the 10th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting in Phnom Penh on July 11, 2012.
Two flagship events being organized as part of the commemorative year events are the Shipping Expedition of INS Sudarshini to ASEAN countries and the ASEAN-India Car Rally, 2012.
With common developmental and strategic interests along with emerging security challenges concerning both sides, India and ASEAN hope to take this relationship forward.
Read more...ASEAN India