Southeast Asian leaders met Saturday in Thailand eyeing a breakthrough in talks over the world's largest trade deal to help throw off the torpor which has gripped the global economy since the start of the US-China tariff war.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened their annual summit in Bangkok hoping to secure a China-backed free-trade pact knitting together half of the world's population and around 40 per cent of its commerce.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a deal spanning India to New Zealand and wrangled over for several years,&nbsp;is now seen as an urgent counterpoint to US protectionism.

Washington's trade rumble with Beijing has weighed on markets, with the IMF warning the spat could cut global growth to the slowest pace in more than a decade.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's protectionist rhetoric has spooked some ASEAN nations who fear their economies could fall under his crosshairs.

Trump has repeatedly warned of further intervention to protect American business and several Asian nations are waiting to find out if the US will put them on a watch list of "currency manipulators".&nbsp;

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned the regional bloc could hit back against any punitive trade measures, skirting over specifics.

"We will do exactly what Trump does," he told a business forum ahead of the summit opening, calling the US leader "not a very nice man".&nbsp;

"If you&nbsp;go alone, you will be bullied. We don't want to go into a trade war but sometimes when they do things that are not nice to us, we have to be unnice to them," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier his Thai counterpart, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, echoed the theme of regional cooperation on the RCEP deal, while Philippines' trade secretary Ramon Lopez said he hoped to have a "very positive report (on RCEP) come Monday" when the summit ends.

Tensions at sea

India, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in Thailand, is the greatest obstacle to RCEP in its current form.

New Delhi fears opening key industries such as metals, textiles and dairy to cheaper Chinese importers.

Indian intransigence has cast the deal -- looping in the 10 Southeast Asian economies along with Japan, India, China, New Zealand and Australia -- into doubt.

"We want them (India) to be in. We want to have them... they are a big economy," Lopez told reporters.

Chinese premier Li Keqiang will attend the three-day meet, where simmering tensions in the South China Sea will also lead the agenda.

China supports RCEP, a deal seen as a way for Beijing to assert its trade dominance in its Asian backyard after the US pullout of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017.

The ASEAN summit follows a push by Washington and Beijing for a partial agreement to squash some of tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods that have rattled both economies.&nbsp;

But Washington has pared back its delegation to Bangkok this year.

In what is being read by some as a snub to ASEAN, the US is sending national security advisor Robert O'Brien and commerce chief Wilbur Ross.

US Vice President Mike Pence attended last year's ASEAN summit in Singapore, and President Donald Trump was at the 2017 meeting in the Philippines.

A senior White House official refuted claims of a snub to the Southeast Asian bloc.

Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are unavailable because they will be "very engaged in campaigning" for a string of governors' races, the official told reporters.

Trump instead trusts O'Brien "to go out and take care of big problems and small problems", the official added.

Southeast Asian leaders met Saturday in Thailand eyeing a breakthrough in talks over the world's largest trade deal to help throw off the torpor which has gripped the global economy since the start of the US-China tariff war.

Southeast Asian leaders met Saturday in Thailand eyeing a breakthrough in talks over the world's largest trade deal to help throw off the torpor which has gripped the global economy since the start of the US-China tariff war. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened their annual summit in Bangkok hoping to secure a China-backed free-trade pact knitting together half of the world's population and around 40 per cent of its commerce. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a deal spanning India to New Zealand and wrangled over for several years, is now seen as an urgent counterpoint to US protectionism. Washington's trade rumble with Beijing has weighed on markets, with the IMF warning the spat could cut global growth to the slowest pace in more than a decade. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's protectionist rhetoric has spooked some ASEAN nations who fear their economies could fall under his crosshairs. Trump has repeatedly warned of further intervention to protect American business and several Asian nations are waiting to find out if the US will put them on a watch list of "currency manipulators". Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned the regional bloc could hit back against any punitive trade measures, skirting over specifics. "We will do exactly what Trump does," he told a business forum ahead of the summit opening, calling the US leader "not a very nice man". "If you go alone, you will be bullied. We don't want to go into a trade war but sometimes when they do things that are not nice to us, we have to be unnice to them," he added. Earlier his Thai counterpart, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, echoed the theme of regional cooperation on the RCEP deal, while Philippines' trade secretary Ramon Lopez said he hoped to have a "very positive report (on RCEP) come Monday" when the summit ends. Tensions at sea India, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in Thailand, is the greatest obstacle to RCEP in its current form. New Delhi fears opening key industries such as metals, textiles and dairy to cheaper Chinese importers. Indian intransigence has cast the deal -- looping in the 10 Southeast Asian economies along with Japan, India, China, New Zealand and Australia -- into doubt. "We want them (India) to be in. We want to have them... they are a big economy," Lopez told reporters. Chinese premier Li Keqiang will attend the three-day meet, where simmering tensions in the South China Sea will also lead the agenda. China supports RCEP, a deal seen as a way for Beijing to assert its trade dominance in its Asian backyard after the US pullout of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017. The ASEAN summit follows a push by Washington and Beijing for a partial agreement to squash some of tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods that have rattled both economies. But Washington has pared back its delegation to Bangkok this year. In what is being read by some as a snub to ASEAN, the US is sending national security advisor Robert O'Brien and commerce chief Wilbur Ross. US Vice President Mike Pence attended last year's ASEAN summit in Singapore, and President Donald Trump was at the 2017 meeting in the Philippines. A senior White House official refuted claims of a snub to the Southeast Asian bloc. Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are unavailable because they will be "very engaged in campaigning" for a string of governors' races, the official told reporters. Trump instead trusts O'Brien "to go out and take care of big problems and small problems", the official added.

ASEAN leaders hanker for trade deal as economy sags due to United States-China spat

On PM Modi's 3 day visit to Thailand, he will hold a series pf meetings on ASEAN sidelines.

Indian PM Modi arrives in Bangkok

PM Modi to attend ASEAN-Related summits in Thailand

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

"India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations.

"Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines.

The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said.

The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

"Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said.

Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.&nbsp;

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace. "India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations. "Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines. The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said. The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. "Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said. Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.

India, Philippines to bolster cooperation for fighting terrorism

Giving a boost to the State governments initiatives to transform Guwahati as a gateway to the ASEAN region, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-nrc-final-list-published-opposition-fears-many-indian-citizens-left-out-246920">Assam</a> Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday flagged off the first flight to Bangkok at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

The first flight which took off from LGBI Airport witnessed the traditional water saluting.

Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Chief Ministers Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, MLA Bimal Bora and a host of other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

Nok Air, which will be flying its sortie between Guwahati and Bangkok, has carefully drafted its sorties to enable passengers to reach the destination at Don Mueang near Bangkok in less than three hours, offering a convenient connection to both business and leisure travellers twice in a week.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Sonowal viewed that the introduction of the flight is not just an extension of the airline route but more importantly a futuristic gesture, which will go a long way in reinforcing the cultural and economic ties between Assam and Thailand and strengthening the bilateral relations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-sarbananda-sonowal-calls-for-implementation-of-nrc-across-all-states-in-india-165006">Sonowal</a> observed that connectivity has always remained a major bottleneck in the optimum realisation of the growth prospects of the region. Keeping this in view, the Central Government has taken up steps to connect six Southeast Asian destinations from Guwahati under UDAN scheme.&nbsp;

On July 1st this year, the first Guwahati-Dhaka flight by Spicejet under International Air Connectivity Scheme was flagged off. The flight marked the roll-out of UDAN-International, pioneered by Assam Government with viability gap funding of Rs 100 crore. In the next few months, flights connecting to Kathmandu, Yangon, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur will also commence.

Last year DrukAir - Royal Bhutan Airlines introduced a Paro-Guwahati-Singapore flight. The Central government has also taken a historic decision to bring 19 destinations in the Northeast including five cities in Assam under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN-2. This initiative would significantly facilitate regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable for the masses.

The Union Government aims to turn LGBI Airport into an International airport, connecting Southeast Asia. Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations since its establishment in 1958. It handled more than 3.7 million passengers in 2017, an increase of 36 per cent from 2016. It has witnessed an annual traffic increase of over 23 per cent in 2018-19 with a total footfall of 5.7 million passengers and 55,066 aircraft movements in the same period.

The existing terminal building at the airport has a maximum handling capacity of 850 arrivals per departure passengers an hour. The work on a new terminal has already made significant progress. This will further boost the growth narrative of the entire region.

The new terminal will be the first sustainable terminal of the North East having sewage treatment plant, solar power, rainwater harvesting, solid waste disposal system and energy-efficient lighting. Once completed, this would generate around 3000 direct employment and approximately 20,000 indirect employments.

Boosting the State government's efforts, Bangladesh and Bhutan governments have already set up their embassies in Guwahati. The 10 ASEAN nations are also expected to set up their embassies in Guwahati soon. The Act East Policy of the Government of India gives new hope for the growth of the region. The newly found confidence of the people in the state can be witnessed in all spheres of socio-cultural and economic life.&nbsp;

As an offshoot of the efforts of the State government, farmers of Assam for the first time could successfully export their agricultural produce to London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other foreign countries.

Giving a boost to the State governments initiatives to transform Guwahati as a gateway to the ASEAN region, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday flagged off the first flight to Bangkok at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Giving a boost to the State governments initiatives to transform Guwahati as a gateway to the ASEAN region, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday flagged off the first flight to Bangkok at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The first flight which took off from LGBI Airport witnessed the traditional water saluting. Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Chief Ministers Media Adviser Hrishikesh Goswami, MLA Bimal Bora and a host of other dignitaries were present at the occasion. Nok Air, which will be flying its sortie between Guwahati and Bangkok, has carefully drafted its sorties to enable passengers to reach the destination at Don Mueang near Bangkok in less than three hours, offering a convenient connection to both business and leisure travellers twice in a week. Chief Minister Sonowal viewed that the introduction of the flight is not just an extension of the airline route but more importantly a futuristic gesture, which will go a long way in reinforcing the cultural and economic ties between Assam and Thailand and strengthening the bilateral relations. Sonowal observed that connectivity has always remained a major bottleneck in the optimum realisation of the growth prospects of the region. Keeping this in view, the Central Government has taken up steps to connect six Southeast Asian destinations from Guwahati under UDAN scheme. On July 1st this year, the first Guwahati-Dhaka flight by Spicejet under International Air Connectivity Scheme was flagged off. The flight marked the roll-out of UDAN-International, pioneered by Assam Government with viability gap funding of Rs 100 crore. In the next few months, flights connecting to Kathmandu, Yangon, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur will also commence. Last year DrukAir - Royal Bhutan Airlines introduced a Paro-Guwahati-Singapore flight. The Central government has also taken a historic decision to bring 19 destinations in the Northeast including five cities in Assam under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN-2. This initiative would significantly facilitate regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable for the masses. The Union Government aims to turn LGBI Airport into an International airport, connecting Southeast Asia. Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations since its establishment in 1958. It handled more than 3.7 million passengers in 2017, an increase of 36 per cent from 2016. It has witnessed an annual traffic increase of over 23 per cent in 2018-19 with a total footfall of 5.7 million passengers and 55,066 aircraft movements in the same period. The existing terminal building at the airport has a maximum handling capacity of 850 arrivals per departure passengers an hour. The work on a new terminal has already made significant progress. This will further boost the growth narrative of the entire region. The new terminal will be the first sustainable terminal of the North East having sewage treatment plant, solar power, rainwater harvesting, solid waste disposal system and energy-efficient lighting. Once completed, this would generate around 3000 direct employment and approximately 20,000 indirect employments. Boosting the State government's efforts, Bangladesh and Bhutan governments have already set up their embassies in Guwahati. The 10 ASEAN nations are also expected to set up their embassies in Guwahati soon. The Act East Policy of the Government of India gives new hope for the growth of the region. The newly found confidence of the people in the state can be witnessed in all spheres of socio-cultural and economic life. As an offshoot of the efforts of the State government, farmers of Assam for the first time could successfully export their agricultural produce to London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other foreign countries.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flags off first Guwahati-Bangkok flight

With 1,000 PhD scholarships for ASEAN students in India's Indian Institutes of Technology(IIT), New Delhi on Monday formally announced its largest capacity development initiative for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-asean-in-focus-eam-talks-connectivity-in-indonesia-strategic-partnership-in-singapore-248087">ASEAN countries</a>.&nbsp;

The total budget outlay of the scholarship programme is Rs 300 crore with the first batch of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-seeks-greater-connectedness-with-the-asean-jaishanker-at-ministerial-meeting-in-bankok-239873">ASEAN students</a> to be admitted in January 2020.

India's external affair minister S Jaishankar said: "Our partnership with ASEAN is built on the foundation of shared values. The most fundamental of which is the priority our civilization attaches to education and science. Our partnership with ASEAN has historically developed through a shared quest for knowledge."

The maximum tenure of each fellowship is 5 years with Rs 31,000 stipend for the first two years and Rs 35,000 for the next three years. A research grant of Rs&nbsp;170,000 will be given for travel, books etc. The funding covers the entire cost of study and living expenses for up to 5 years of the PhD programme.

ASEAN envoys have lauded the initiative. Thai Envoy to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi speaking to WION said, "it's a great initiative and also very generous. It comes at the right time, I just came from Bangkok where we were talking about IIT campus in Thailand and next week I am going to Israel. So IITs fit very well in the modern context,&nbsp;adding, "India is one of the leading countries in technologies."

Indian PM Modi had first announced the initiative at 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi in January 2018.&nbsp;

IIT Delhi has been designated by the ministry of human resource development as the coordinating IIT for the fellowship programme.

With 1,000 PhD scholarships for ASEAN students in India's Indian Institutes of Technology(IIT), New Delhi on Monday formally announced its largest capacity development initiative for ASEAN countries.

With 1,000 PhD scholarships for ASEAN students in India's Indian Institutes of Technology(IIT), New Delhi on Monday formally announced its largest capacity development initiative for ASEAN countries. The total budget outlay of the scholarship programme is Rs 300 crore with the first batch of ASEAN students to be admitted in January 2020. India's external affair minister S Jaishankar said: "Our partnership with ASEAN is built on the foundation of shared values. The most fundamental of which is the priority our civilization attaches to education and science. Our partnership with ASEAN has historically developed through a shared quest for knowledge." The maximum tenure of each fellowship is 5 years with Rs 31,000 stipend for the first two years and Rs 35,000 for the next three years. A research grant of Rs 170,000 will be given for travel, books etc. The funding covers the entire cost of study and living expenses for up to 5 years of the PhD programme. ASEAN envoys have lauded the initiative. Thai Envoy to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi speaking to WION said, "it's a great initiative and also very generous. It comes at the right time, I just came from Bangkok where we were talking about IIT campus in Thailand and next week I am going to Israel. So IITs fit very well in the modern context, adding, "India is one of the leading countries in technologies." Indian PM Modi had first announced the initiative at 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi in January 2018. IIT Delhi has been designated by the ministry of human resource development as the coordinating IIT for the fellowship programme.

India announces largest scholarship programme for ASEAN students

In a major step to boost relations with ASEAN countries and increase people-to-people ties, the Government has decided to offer 1,000 PhD fellowships to ASEAN students at IITs in India.

The programme will be launched on Monday jointly by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.

Head of missions of ASEAN countries, senior officials of ministries of External Affairs and Human Resource Development, Directors of all 23 IITs, Chairman of UGC and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog would attend the event.

The admission portal for this programme is being executed by IIT Delhi. The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises of Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

In a major step to boost relations with ASEAN countries and increase people-to-people ties, the Government has decided to offer 1,000 PhD fellowships to ASEAN students at IITs in India.

In a major step to boost relations with ASEAN countries and increase people-to-people ties, the Government has decided to offer 1,000 PhD fellowships to ASEAN students at IITs in India. The programme will be launched on Monday jointly by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. Head of missions of ASEAN countries, senior officials of ministries of External Affairs and Human Resource Development, Directors of all 23 IITs, Chairman of UGC and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog would attend the event. The admission portal for this programme is being executed by IIT Delhi. The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises of Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

India to offer 1,000 PhD fellowships to ASEAN students at IITs

With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

During his meet with Indonesia FM Marsudi, both sides adopted of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman- Aceh connectivity. The first meeting of the Joint Task Force will take place in Indonesia in November.

Last year PM Modi had visited Indonesia and during his meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, both sides discussed connectivity between India's Andaman Islands and Indonesia's Aceh province included cruise ship connectivity.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pleasure to meet my Indonesian counterpart <a href="https://twitter.com/Menlu_RI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Menlu_RI</a>. My 1st bilat’l visit as EAM to ASEAN.Drawing on historical linkages to fashion a modern partnership.Agreed to address common challenges&amp;explore shared opportunities.Our talks highlightd mutual support for territorial integrity <a href="https://t.co/5R4Iw0wlDt">pic.twitter.com/5R4Iw0wlDt</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1169524618828206081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indo Pacific was one of the key focus between Jaishankar-Marsudi meet. Remember Indonesia had played a crucial role in the adoption of ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific'.

"Our Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific agreed during Prime Minister’s visit last year, is a recognition that India and Indonesia, as two major economies in this region need to develop synergies to harness the potential and meet the challenges that the region faces." EAM Jaishanker said at the press statements after him meet with Indonesian FM.

Adding, "We have the commonality of interest in working together on Indo-Pacific concept within EAS and I underline to the Minister that we see ASEAN Centrality as a prominent feature of our approach to the Indo-Pacific."

India has also joined Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as the first Dialogue Partner as the invitation of Jakarta.

In Singapore, where is he from 6th to 10th, he will be co-chairing the 6th Meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) &nbsp;Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

He will also call on Singapore’s Prime Minister &amp; Deputy Prime Minister.

"The two sides will review the whole range of bilateral issues and provide the direction for further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries", a ministry of external affairs release said.

PM Modi has visited Singapore 4 times, 2 times in 2015 and 2 times in 2018. It is interesting to note that Singapore was the first country in the world to join the RuPay card, which is an Indian payment gateway like visa or MasterCard.

With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. During his meet with Indonesia FM Marsudi, both sides adopted of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman- Aceh connectivity. The first meeting of the Joint Task Force will take place in Indonesia in November. Last year PM Modi had visited Indonesia and during his meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, both sides discussed connectivity between India's Andaman Islands and Indonesia's Aceh province included cruise ship connectivity. Pleasure to meet my Indonesian counterpart @Menlu_RI. My 1st bilat’l visit as EAM to ASEAN.Drawing on historical linkages to fashion a modern partnership.Agreed to address common challenges&explore shared opportunities.Our talks highlightd mutual support for territorial integrity pic.twitter.com/5R4Iw0wlDt — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 5, 2019 × Indo Pacific was one of the key focus between Jaishankar-Marsudi meet. Remember Indonesia had played a crucial role in the adoption of ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific'. "Our Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific agreed during Prime Minister’s visit last year, is a recognition that India and Indonesia, as two major economies in this region need to develop synergies to harness the potential and meet the challenges that the region faces." EAM Jaishanker said at the press statements after him meet with Indonesian FM. Adding, "We have the commonality of interest in working together on Indo-Pacific concept within EAS and I underline to the Minister that we see ASEAN Centrality as a prominent feature of our approach to the Indo-Pacific." India has also joined Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as the first Dialogue Partner as the invitation of Jakarta. In Singapore, where is he from 6th to 10th, he will be co-chairing the 6th Meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. He will also call on Singapore’s Prime Minister & Deputy Prime Minister. "The two sides will review the whole range of bilateral issues and provide the direction for further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries", a ministry of external affairs release said. PM Modi has visited Singapore 4 times, 2 times in 2015 and 2 times in 2018. It is interesting to note that Singapore was the first country in the world to join the RuPay card, which is an Indian payment gateway like visa or MasterCard.

With ASEAN in focus, EAM talks connectivity in Indonesia, strategic partnership in Singapore

Thai authorities issued arrest warrants on Tuesday for three more suspects linked to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-seeks-more-than-10-suspects-for-a-series-of-bombs-in-bangkok-240858"> bomb attacks</a> as the capital hosted a diplomatic meeting last month, raising to seven the number of suspects still sought by police.&nbsp;

Six small bombs and six incendiary devices went off on August 2 as the foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations met in Bangkok, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-seeks-more-than-10-suspects-for-a-series-of-bombs-in-bangkok-240858">event</a> also attended by diplomats from China, the United States and other world powers.

Four people were wounded in the coordinated attacks police have linked either to political issues or a long-running insurgency in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-anti-corruption-official-accused-of-hiding-millions-in-assets-243455">Thailand</a>`s Malay-Muslim dominated south.

Tuesday`s warrants are for three suspects on charges of organized crime, arson, causing an explosion and illegal possession of explosives, said deputy police spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen.

"All the suspects are from the deep south," he said, referring to the region where an insurgency has killed 7,000 people since 2004.

Police last week issued warrants for four other suspects who remain at large despite a 100,000 baht ($3,245) reward for information leading to their arrests.&nbsp;

Authorities detained two men on Aug. 2 accused of planting fake bombs in front of Bangkok police headquarters before the coordinated attacks. The two have ties to the insurgency, police said, and were the subject of arrest warrants issued two weeks ago.

Thai authorities issued arrest warrants on Tuesday for three more suspects linked to bomb attacks as the capital hosted a diplomatic meeting last month, raising to seven the number of suspects still sought by police.

Thai authorities issued arrest warrants on Tuesday for three more suspects linked to bomb attacks as the capital hosted a diplomatic meeting last month, raising to seven the number of suspects still sought by police. Six small bombs and six incendiary devices went off on August 2 as the foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations met in Bangkok, an event also attended by diplomats from China, the United States and other world powers. Four people were wounded in the coordinated attacks police have linked either to political issues or a long-running insurgency in Thailand`s Malay-Muslim dominated south. Tuesday`s warrants are for three suspects on charges of organized crime, arson, causing an explosion and illegal possession of explosives, said deputy police spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen. "All the suspects are from the deep south," he said, referring to the region where an insurgency has killed 7,000 people since 2004. Police last week issued warrants for four other suspects who remain at large despite a 100,000 baht ($3,245) reward for information leading to their arrests. Authorities detained two men on Aug. 2 accused of planting fake bombs in front of Bangkok police headquarters before the coordinated attacks. The two have ties to the insurgency, police said, and were the subject of arrest warrants issued two weeks ago.

Thailand police seek three more suspects in Bangkok blasts

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-fake-bombs-found-near-bangkok-forum-of-world-powers-police-240006">Bangkok</a> mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal.

There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Footage showed an explosion in a shopping mall minutes from the summit venue in the early hours of Friday morning, after it was planted by a man dressed in a student's uniform about 12 hours earlier.

The man, wearing a fedora and face mask, entered a store in Siam Square mall at around 3:30 pm on Thursday, according to time stamps on the footage obtained by AFP.

Milling around the store, he stopped at a shelf full of cuddly toy seals and polar bears and fiddled with one of them for a few seconds before placing it back on the shelf.

The next video recordings showed an explosion in the store originating from the shelf around 4:45 am on Friday, which caused a fire and a swirl of smoke as the store's sprinkler system was activated.

No one was injured and police confirmed the bomb blast.

"The staff from the ... the store filed a complaint with the police about the blast yesterday," Colonel Thammanoon Boonruang told AFP Saturday, declining to comment on whether it was one of the nine explosions authorities confirmed.

The store remained closed on Saturday.

Speculation swirled in Thailand about the motive behind the bombings, with many linking them to retaliation from the insurgency hit south for the recent arrest of a rebel suspect who was left in a coma after arriving at a notorious army camp.

A preliminary army led probe showed that Abdulloh Esormusor, 34, could have been suffocated.

Thailand has a grim history of political violence and remains deeply divided after a controversial March election which returned junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to power as a civilian premier.&nbsp;

Its three southernmost provinces bordering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-malaysia-restart-massive-belt-and-road-project-after-hiccups-238327">Malaysia</a>, which are predominantly Muslim-Malay, are also in a grip of a 15 year conflict, where a shadowy rebel group has agitated for more autonomy outside of the Buddhist majority Thai state.

So far, two men linked to the conflict hit region were arrested hours after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday.

But police said it was "too early" to clearly tie them to the rebellion.

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal. There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal. There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Footage showed an explosion in a shopping mall minutes from the summit venue in the early hours of Friday morning, after it was planted by a man dressed in a student's uniform about 12 hours earlier. The man, wearing a fedora and face mask, entered a store in Siam Square mall at around 3:30 pm on Thursday, according to time stamps on the footage obtained by AFP. Milling around the store, he stopped at a shelf full of cuddly toy seals and polar bears and fiddled with one of them for a few seconds before placing it back on the shelf. The next video recordings showed an explosion in the store originating from the shelf around 4:45 am on Friday, which caused a fire and a swirl of smoke as the store's sprinkler system was activated. No one was injured and police confirmed the bomb blast. "The staff from the ... the store filed a complaint with the police about the blast yesterday," Colonel Thammanoon Boonruang told AFP Saturday, declining to comment on whether it was one of the nine explosions authorities confirmed. The store remained closed on Saturday. Speculation swirled in Thailand about the motive behind the bombings, with many linking them to retaliation from the insurgency hit south for the recent arrest of a rebel suspect who was left in a coma after arriving at a notorious army camp. A preliminary army led probe showed that Abdulloh Esormusor, 34, could have been suffocated. Thailand has a grim history of political violence and remains deeply divided after a controversial March election which returned junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to power as a civilian premier. Its three southernmost provinces bordering Malaysia, which are predominantly Muslim-Malay, are also in a grip of a 15 year conflict, where a shadowy rebel group has agitated for more autonomy outside of the Buddhist majority Thai state. So far, two men linked to the conflict hit region were arrested hours after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday. But police said it was "too early" to clearly tie them to the rebellion.

Footage shows Bangkok bombing in mall minutes from ASEAN summit

Two men from Thailand's insurgency-hit "Deep South" have been arrested linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/small-explosions-in-bangkok-as-city-hosts-asean-foreign-ministers-meet-240067">several small bomb attacks</a> which rattled Bangkok Friday as it hosted a regional summit attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, leaving four people wounded but not disrupting the diplomatic event.

Thailand, which has a grim history of political violence and is fighting a long-running rebellion in the Muslim-majority south, remains deeply divided after a controversial March election returned a junta to power as a civilian government.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who led the former junta, told reporters "there were nine successful or attempted explosions... we haven't ruled out any motives."

Two men from the far south were arrested after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday, in what police said was a linked incident.

Police chief Jakthip Chaijinda confirmed the men came to the Muslim-majority area bordering Malaysia which is in the grip of a 15-year insurgency.

But he said it was "too early" to clearly tie them with the rebellion.

Any connection to the insurgency will cause deep alarm in Bangkok, which has failed to win peace in a conflict which has left more than 7,000 dead.

Occasionally the shadowy rebel cells take their violence outside their region to mark key anniversaries or kickback against specific Thai actions.

Outrage is boiling in the south over the treatment of a 34-year-old rebel suspect who was left in a coma hours after being taken into a notorious military interrogation centre in Pattani province.

The blasts in Bangkok Friday appeared to be symbolic attacks aimed at embarrassing the government during a major summit but not designed to cause mass casualties.

Small devices -- some believed to be so-called "ping pong bombs" around the size of a table tennis ball -- exploded at several locations across the city, none close to the summit venue.

Officials said four people were wounded.

"Reports are they were 'ping pong bombs' hidden in bushes by the road," said Renu Suesattaya, director of Suanluang district where the first bombs were reported.

Two further explosions shattered glass near a well-known downtown skyscraper, emergency police added.

Bomb disposal experts were deployed around the Mahanakorn Tower -- owned by the King Power group that counts Leicester City football club among its assets.

'Democratic fold'

Most of the dead in the highly-localised insurgency in the south are civilians, but the conflict garners few international headlines.

Malay-Muslim militants are fighting for autonomy from Thailand which annexed the region over a century ago.

Friday's bombings took place just before a keynote speech by top US diplomat Pompeo, in which he praised Thailand for rejoining the "democratic fold" after five years of outright junta rule.

The blasts come weeks after former junta leader Prayut was inaugurated as a civilian prime minister, sparking outcry among many pro-democracy supporters in a kingdom scored by divisions.

The junta manoeuvred itself back into power with the help of a fully appointed senate stacked with army loyalists and an electoral system its critics say was designed to limit the success of the pro-democracy parties.

Mass protests, coups and short-lived governments have scored Thailand's recent history.

Deadly bombings and shootings linked to politics are often carried out by shadowy forces who are never held accountable.&nbsp;

Thailand's last hosting of ASEAN in 2009 was also overshadowed by unrest.

Then, "Red Shirt" protesters smashed their way into the summit venue in the resort city of Pattaya demanding elections.

Pandemonium ensued, with a number of leaders having to be rescued from a hotel roof by Thai army helicopters while others fled by boat.

Two men from Thailand's insurgency-hit "Deep South" have been arrested linked to several small bomb attacks which rattled Bangkok Friday as it hosted a regional summit attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, leaving four people wounded but not disrupting the diplomatic event.

Two men from Thailand's insurgency-hit "Deep South" have been arrested linked to several small bomb attacks which rattled Bangkok Friday as it hosted a regional summit attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, leaving four people wounded but not disrupting the diplomatic event. Thailand, which has a grim history of political violence and is fighting a long-running rebellion in the Muslim-majority south, remains deeply divided after a controversial March election returned a junta to power as a civilian government. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who led the former junta, told reporters "there were nine successful or attempted explosions... we haven't ruled out any motives." Two men from the far south were arrested after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday, in what police said was a linked incident. Police chief Jakthip Chaijinda confirmed the men came to the Muslim-majority area bordering Malaysia which is in the grip of a 15-year insurgency. But he said it was "too early" to clearly tie them with the rebellion. Any connection to the insurgency will cause deep alarm in Bangkok, which has failed to win peace in a conflict which has left more than 7,000 dead. Occasionally the shadowy rebel cells take their violence outside their region to mark key anniversaries or kickback against specific Thai actions. Outrage is boiling in the south over the treatment of a 34-year-old rebel suspect who was left in a coma hours after being taken into a notorious military interrogation centre in Pattani province. The blasts in Bangkok Friday appeared to be symbolic attacks aimed at embarrassing the government during a major summit but not designed to cause mass casualties. Small devices -- some believed to be so-called "ping pong bombs" around the size of a table tennis ball -- exploded at several locations across the city, none close to the summit venue. Officials said four people were wounded. "Reports are they were 'ping pong bombs' hidden in bushes by the road," said Renu Suesattaya, director of Suanluang district where the first bombs were reported. Two further explosions shattered glass near a well-known downtown skyscraper, emergency police added. Bomb disposal experts were deployed around the Mahanakorn Tower -- owned by the King Power group that counts Leicester City football club among its assets. 'Democratic fold' Most of the dead in the highly-localised insurgency in the south are civilians, but the conflict garners few international headlines. Malay-Muslim militants are fighting for autonomy from Thailand which annexed the region over a century ago. Friday's bombings took place just before a keynote speech by top US diplomat Pompeo, in which he praised Thailand for rejoining the "democratic fold" after five years of outright junta rule. The blasts come weeks after former junta leader Prayut was inaugurated as a civilian prime minister, sparking outcry among many pro-democracy supporters in a kingdom scored by divisions. The junta manoeuvred itself back into power with the help of a fully appointed senate stacked with army loyalists and an electoral system its critics say was designed to limit the success of the pro-democracy parties. Mass protests, coups and short-lived governments have scored Thailand's recent history. Deadly bombings and shootings linked to politics are often carried out by shadowy forces who are never held accountable. Thailand's last hosting of ASEAN in 2009 was also overshadowed by unrest. Then, "Red Shirt" protesters smashed their way into the summit venue in the resort city of Pattaya demanding elections. Pandemonium ensued, with a number of leaders having to be rescued from a hotel roof by Thai army helicopters while others fled by boat.

Bombs rattle Bangkok during ASEAN summit, two suspects held

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured&nbsp;by what appeared to be a homemade bomb.

Thai police said they were investigating the cause of the explosions. Some explosions were heard at a government office and others near at least two other sites near central Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the Thai government confirmed a number of small "bombing incidents" in Bangkok as the city hosts a major summit, urging the public not to panic as police tighten security.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was told of "the bombing incidents and has ordered an immediate investigation", spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said, adding "security measures have been tightened. The public is urged not to panic."

Bangkok is currently hosting a regional security meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">foreign ministers from the Association</a> of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from world powers including the United States, China and Russia.

A senior police officer said two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to have been a homemade bomb in the Suan Luang district.

On Thursday, Thai police said they had found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of the regional security meeting. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. It was unclear whether the meeting was the target.

Police said two men had been arrested in connection with the fake bombs.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to be a homemade bomb.

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to be a homemade bomb. Thai police said they were investigating the cause of the explosions. Some explosions were heard at a government office and others near at least two other sites near central Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Thai government confirmed a number of small "bombing incidents" in Bangkok as the city hosts a major summit, urging the public not to panic as police tighten security. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was told of "the bombing incidents and has ordered an immediate investigation", spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said, adding "security measures have been tightened. The public is urged not to panic." Bangkok is currently hosting a regional security meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from world powers including the United States, China and Russia. A senior police officer said two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to have been a homemade bomb in the Suan Luang district. On Thursday, Thai police said they had found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of the regional security meeting. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. It was unclear whether the meeting was the target. Police said two men had been arrested in connection with the fake bombs. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Small explosions in Bangkok as city hosts ASEAN foreign ministers' meet

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;met&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-taken-advantage-of-trade-time-for-it-to-stop-pompeo-at-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-bangkok-240069">US secretary of state&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' meet in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

No readouts have been issued by New Delhi and Washington but both sides are expected to have&nbsp;discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific.

The meet comes even as US President raked up Kashmir for the second time saying, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation)."

Trump in response to a question said, "I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it."

Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene."

Ten days&nbsp;ago&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir&nbsp;during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third&nbsp;party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is in Bangkok for the two-day summit (August 1 and 2) to&nbsp;participate in a number of ASEAN plus gatherings. Earlier on Friday, he&nbsp;participated at&nbsp;the&nbsp;9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers'&nbsp;Meeting (EAS FMM) and will later participate at the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The external affairs minister on the first day of his visit addressed&nbsp;ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and&nbsp;10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met ten&nbsp;of his counterparts.&nbsp;

These were&nbsp;Thai FM Don Pramudwinai, New Zealand FM Winston Peters,&nbsp;High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy&nbsp; Federica Mogherini, Japan FM Taro Kono, Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, Indonesian FM Retno Marsudi, British FS Dominic Raab,&nbsp;Singapore's FM Vivian Balakrishnan,&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and&nbsp;Chinese FM Wang Yi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar will be going&nbsp;to China later this month for a&nbsp;preparatory visit for the 2nd India-China informal summit that will happen by the end of this year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' meet in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' meet in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday. No readouts have been issued by New Delhi and Washington but both sides are expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific. The meet comes even as US President raked up Kashmir for the second time saying, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation)." Trump in response to a question said, "I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it." Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." Ten days ago US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar is in Bangkok for the two-day summit (August 1 and 2) to participate in a number of ASEAN plus gatherings. Earlier on Friday, he participated at the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting (EAS FMM) and will later participate at the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The external affairs minister on the first day of his visit addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met ten of his counterparts. These were Thai FM Don Pramudwinai, New Zealand FM Winston Peters, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Japan FM Taro Kono, Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, Indonesian FM Retno Marsudi, British FS Dominic Raab, Singapore's FM Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Chinese FM Wang Yi. Jaishankar will be going to China later this month for a preparatory visit for the 2nd India-China informal summit that will happen by the end of this year.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar meets Pompeo at ASEAN ministerial meet in Bangkok

The ninth East <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-likely-to-meet-mike-pompeo-in-bangkok-239751">Asia Summit Foreign Ministers</a> meeting got underway in Bangkok on Thursday&nbsp;with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar taking part in the two-day summit.&nbsp;

Jaishankar met the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of New Zealand Winston Peters and shared the Indo-Pacific approach including upgrading economic and political ties.

Earlier, India's foreign minister met Thailand's foreign minister Don Pramudwinai as&nbsp;both ministers'&nbsp;discussed&nbsp;maritime partnership, BIMSTEC cooperation and partnering in Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

India's foreign minister will also be meeting US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in a pull aside with experts keen to understand US view of President Trump on Kashmir after he told PM Imran Khan that the US was ready to intervene to solve the J&amp;K issue, contrary to India's position which has consistently called it a bilateral issue.

During the ministerial meeting, Jaishankar is also expected to meet UK's new foreign secretary Dominic Raab and the British envoy to India Dominic Asquith including foreign minister of Sri Lanka&nbsp;Tilak Marapan.

There are thirteen foreign ministers taking part in the international ministerial meet.&nbsp;Jaishankar will also participate in the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting,&nbsp;26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) &amp; 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting.

The ninth East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meeting got underway in Bangkok on Thursday with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar taking part in the two-day summit.

The ninth East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meeting got underway in Bangkok on Thursday with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar taking part in the two-day summit. Jaishankar met the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of New Zealand Winston Peters and shared the Indo-Pacific approach including upgrading economic and political ties. Earlier, India's foreign minister met Thailand's foreign minister Don Pramudwinai as both ministers' discussed maritime partnership, BIMSTEC cooperation and partnering in Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). India's foreign minister will also be meeting US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in a pull aside with experts keen to understand US view of President Trump on Kashmir after he told PM Imran Khan that the US was ready to intervene to solve the J&K issue, contrary to India's position which has consistently called it a bilateral issue. During the ministerial meeting, Jaishankar is also expected to meet UK's new foreign secretary Dominic Raab and the British envoy to India Dominic Asquith including foreign minister of Sri Lanka Tilak Marapan. There are thirteen foreign ministers taking part in the international ministerial meet. Jaishankar will also participate in the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) & 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting.

Jaishankar meets New Zealand & Thailand foreign ministers in East Asia foreign ministers' summit

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addresses a meeting in Bangkok. Watch this video to know what he has to say.

S Jaishankar addresses meeting in Bangkok

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping.

The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless.

"There were two boxes that contain no material that could cause an explosion. There are ball bearings and wire circuits, which is likely to cause alarm," police deputy spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen told Reuters.

He said security around the ASEAN forum had been tightened but it was unclear whether the meeting was the apparent hoax's target. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Police Major General Tawatchai Mekprasertkul told Reuters the packages were placed across the street from the forum venue, near a police station where Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was due to visit on Friday.

Krisana said security cameras had shown a man wearing a yellow shirt placing the packages and police were trying to identify the suspect.

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping.

Thai police said they found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of a regional security meeting in Bangkok of world powers and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. "There were two boxes that contain no material that could cause an explosion. There are ball bearings and wire circuits, which is likely to cause alarm," police deputy spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen told Reuters. He said security around the ASEAN forum had been tightened but it was unclear whether the meeting was the apparent hoax's target. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials. Police Major General Tawatchai Mekprasertkul told Reuters the packages were placed across the street from the forum venue, near a police station where Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was due to visit on Friday. Krisana said security cameras had shown a man wearing a yellow shirt placing the packages and police were trying to identify the suspect.

Two fake bombs found near Bangkok forum of world powers: Police

ASEAN foreign ministers held meetings with key dialogue and strategic partners on Thursday in Bangkok during the annual gathering of the 10-member bloc.

Japan, India, Canada FMs meet ASEAN leaders

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> insisted Thursday that Washington was not asking Southeast Asian nations to "choose" between his country and rival power China, as he trailed a rebooted security and trade strategy at a Bangkok summit.

The denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, a bitter trade war between the superpowers and open access to contested seas dominated talks between Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of a summit of Southeast Asia's top diplomats.

Pompeo is in Bangkok tasked with reassuring Asian allies that the US remains a key player in the region, as China builds up its military presence in disputed seas and airspace and cements its economic and political primacy across the region.

The rivalry between the two superpowers is framed by a trade war that has cramped global growth and seeded uncertainty across Asia's economies.

Pompeo and Wang shook hands and smiled before the brief talks.

Both later played down the rifts between their nations, with Wang describing the meeting as a "deep communication" that "has helped to increase our mutual understanding".

"There may be various kinds of issues and problems between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-begun-purchasing-farm-goods-says-china-after-resuming-trade-talks-with-us-239902">China and the United States</a>," he said.

"But no matter how many problems.. we all need to sit down and continue to communicate."&nbsp;

In a tweet Pompeo said he had "an in-depth exchange of views" with Wang - including on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">North Korea</a> - adding "when it advances US&nbsp;interests, we are ready to cooperate with China."

Pompeo also insisted the US was not prodding Southeast Asian nations to "choose between countries".&nbsp;

"Our engagement in this region has not been and will not be a zero-sum exercise," he said in short remarks at the opening of a meeting with the 10-member ASEAN states.

"Our interests simply naturally converge with yours to our mutual benefit".

China on Thursday said it had begun buying more US farm goods, a day after trade negotiations resumed in Shanghai in a bid to find a way through the tit-for-tat tariff war.

Beijing's orbit

Among the tension points with China is the South China Sea, an area Beijing believes to be its orbit and outside the US sphere of influence.

China is accused of deploying warships, militarising outposts and ramming fishing vessels in contested waters, one of the world's key shipping routes and which the US is desperate to keep open.&nbsp;

Several rival Southeast Asian claimants to the sea say Beijing has used its military, economic and diplomatic heft to slow progress on a binding Code of Conduct in the flashpoint zone.

The US wants guarantees of open seas and has offered its support to several of the claimant nations in the face of Chinese aggression.&nbsp;

The administration of President Donald Trump, which early on pulled out from a massive Asia-Pacific trade pact, is pushing an "Indo-Pacific" strategy of bilateral commercial deals and security support for the region.

China rebuffs US intentions in the region and is the driving force behind a separate trade-pact which sweeps in Southeast Asia.

On Wednesday Wang described Southeast Asia as China's "neighbourhood" and in barely concealed swipe at the US urged "non-regional countries" to not "sow distrust" in the area.

US-led efforts to tease North Korea into ending its nuclear ambitions were also covered in discussions, with Beijing's leading diplomat welcoming the high-visibility summits between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un.

Before his arrival, Pompeo also suggested he would address the political crisis enveloping Hong Kong, where weeks of mass anti-government protests have been marred by violent increasingly violent clashes.

On Friday, America's top diplomat will meet his South Korean and Japanese counterparts hoping to help defuse a bitter diplomatic row between two key US allies that has billowed out into a trade dispute.

The issue has its roots a decades-long quarrel over Japanese forced labour during World War II.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted Thursday that Washington was not asking Southeast Asian nations to "choose" between his country and rival power China, as he trailed a rebooted security and trade strategy at a Bangkok summit.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted Thursday that Washington was not asking Southeast Asian nations to "choose" between his country and rival power China, as he trailed a rebooted security and trade strategy at a Bangkok summit. The denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, a bitter trade war between the superpowers and open access to contested seas dominated talks between Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of a summit of Southeast Asia's top diplomats. Pompeo is in Bangkok tasked with reassuring Asian allies that the US remains a key player in the region, as China builds up its military presence in disputed seas and airspace and cements its economic and political primacy across the region. The rivalry between the two superpowers is framed by a trade war that has cramped global growth and seeded uncertainty across Asia's economies. Pompeo and Wang shook hands and smiled before the brief talks. Both later played down the rifts between their nations, with Wang describing the meeting as a "deep communication" that "has helped to increase our mutual understanding". "There may be various kinds of issues and problems between China and the United States," he said. "But no matter how many problems.. we all need to sit down and continue to communicate." In a tweet Pompeo said he had "an in-depth exchange of views" with Wang - including on North Korea - adding "when it advances US interests, we are ready to cooperate with China." Pompeo also insisted the US was not prodding Southeast Asian nations to "choose between countries". "Our engagement in this region has not been and will not be a zero-sum exercise," he said in short remarks at the opening of a meeting with the 10-member ASEAN states. "Our interests simply naturally converge with yours to our mutual benefit". China on Thursday said it had begun buying more US farm goods, a day after trade negotiations resumed in Shanghai in a bid to find a way through the tit-for-tat tariff war. Beijing's orbit Among the tension points with China is the South China Sea, an area Beijing believes to be its orbit and outside the US sphere of influence. China is accused of deploying warships, militarising outposts and ramming fishing vessels in contested waters, one of the world's key shipping routes and which the US is desperate to keep open. Several rival Southeast Asian claimants to the sea say Beijing has used its military, economic and diplomatic heft to slow progress on a binding Code of Conduct in the flashpoint zone. The US wants guarantees of open seas and has offered its support to several of the claimant nations in the face of Chinese aggression. The administration of President Donald Trump, which early on pulled out from a massive Asia-Pacific trade pact, is pushing an "Indo-Pacific" strategy of bilateral commercial deals and security support for the region. China rebuffs US intentions in the region and is the driving force behind a separate trade-pact which sweeps in Southeast Asia. On Wednesday Wang described Southeast Asia as China's "neighbourhood" and in barely concealed swipe at the US urged "non-regional countries" to not "sow distrust" in the area. US-led efforts to tease North Korea into ending its nuclear ambitions were also covered in discussions, with Beijing's leading diplomat welcoming the high-visibility summits between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un. Before his arrival, Pompeo also suggested he would address the political crisis enveloping Hong Kong, where weeks of mass anti-government protests have been marred by violent increasingly violent clashes. On Friday, America's top diplomat will meet his South Korean and Japanese counterparts hoping to help defuse a bitter diplomatic row between two key US allies that has billowed out into a trade dispute. The issue has its roots a decades-long quarrel over Japanese forced labour during World War II.

Not asking ASEAN allies to 'choose' between US and China: Mike Pompeo

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation."

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level."

"The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added.

The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018.&nbsp;

The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one.&nbsp;

Jaishankar&nbsp;will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting.

Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, &nbsp;and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter.&nbsp;

He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue.

The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation." Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries. Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level." "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added. The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one. Jaishankar will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting. Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter. He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue. The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

India seeks greater connectedness with the ASEAN: Jaishankar at ministerial meeting in Bangkok

1. ASEAN and its emerging role in the Indo-Pacific Region- ASEAN’s plan to engage and shape the regional architecture to take its own position in the Indo-Pacific Region 2. How will ASEAN redefine the Indo-Pacific? Any particular reason why ASEAN was reluctant to engage before? 3. Expectations from the key regional players in the Indo-Pacific i.e, USA, Japan, Australia & India. 4. The “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” mentions “an inclusive and rules-based framework to generate momentum to build strategic trust”. The idea to complement existing frameworks of cooperation at the regional and sub-regional levels, generate tangible and concrete deliverables, a common approach towards the Indo-Pacific region despite individual differences and bilateral engagements. How ASEAN may shape the regional architecture and engage fruitfully with the Indo-Pacific Discourse? 5. With the geopolitical contestation between China and the USA escalating, how may ASEAN reclaim the strategic narrative in the emerging regional order? 6. Key challenges for Indo-Pacific regional policy. 7. Negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea to reduce tensions and risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation—in an increasingly contested maritime space. Will COC talks see progress? 8. How may India welcome the ASEAN’s outlook? Dialogue Partners: Amb of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam & Former Ambassador of India to ASEAN Gurjit Singh.

WION World Order: Decoding the geopolitical significance of Indo-Pacific: An ASEAN view

On 3rd edition of #WIONWorldOrder, watch the discussion on balance of power and global power shift with Gurjit Singh (former Ambassador of India to Germany) , Pham Sanh Chau (former Ambassador of India), Sidharto R Suryodipuro (Ambassador of Indonesia to India), Chutintorn Gongsakdi (Ambassador of Thailand to India).

How can ASEAN shape the regional architecture? Can ASEAN resolve maritime disputes in the region? WION's @palkisu discusses with the ambassador of Thailand to India @Chutintorn_Sam on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: How can ASEAN shape the regional architecture? Briefed by Thailand's Ambassador

How will ASEAN take the lead in reshaping the Indo-Pacific? WION's @palkisu discusses with Vietnamese Ambassador to India @SanhChauPham on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: How will ASEAN reshape Indo-Pacific? discussed with Vietnamese Ambassador

With geopolitical contestation between China and USA escalating, how may ASEAN reclaim the strategic narrative in emerging regional order? How will ASEAN redefine Indo-Pacific WION's @palkisu discusses with Former Ambassador of India to ASEAN @AmbGurjitSingh on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: How will ASEAN redefine Indo-Pacific? discussed with Mr. Gurjit Singh

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/changes-in-the-region-due-to-chinas-aggressive-behavior-indias-ex-ambassador-to-asean-gurjit-singh-at-wion-world-order-238430">WION World Order</a> forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

"ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added.

ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of 10&nbsp;countries including Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,&nbsp;Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.&nbsp;

Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434">Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's</a> ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region.

"The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said.

Both ambassadors emphasised that security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally.

The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders.

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections. "ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added. ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of 10 countries including Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group. Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region. "The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said. Both ambassadors emphasised that security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally. The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders.

ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table: Indonesia's ambassador at WION World Order

ASEAN hopes to generate tangible and concrete deliverables. Listen in to Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in India, @suryodipuro's thoughts on #WIONWorldOrder.

WION World Order: ASEAN hopes to generate tangible, concrete deliverables says Indonesian Ambassador

WION World Order: Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific, An ASEAN View

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ship-at-vanguard-bank-a-threat-need-to-address-it-collectively-vietnam-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238428">WION World Order forum</a> Indonesia's ambassador to India, Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

"ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added.

ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/changes-in-the-region-due-to-chinas-aggressive-behavior-indias-ex-ambassador-to-asean-gurjit-singh-at-wion-world-order-238430">ten countries with members</a> from Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,&nbsp;Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.&nbsp;

Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group.&nbsp;

Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region.

"The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said.

Both ambassadors emphasised security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally.

The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders. 
&nbsp;

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India, Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections.

ASEAN intends to reclaim its position in the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the WION World Order forum Indonesia's ambassador to India, Sidharto Suryodipuro said that ASEAN takes into account the developments in the Indo Ocean region while making connections. "ASEAN's concept is to bring everybody on the same table and to discuss Indo-Pacific and how to make it beneficial to all from the security, stability and prosperity perspectives," Suryodipuro added. ASEAN created 50 years ago is a group of ten countries with members from Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Papua New Guinea is the observer in the group. Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's ambassador to India said: "ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table, we are hoping that the East Asia Summit that comes up - the leaders can speak in an informal and open way as we are doing now about the situation in the region. "The Indo-Pacific is our response to how we can maintain geographical balance in the region, how we can engage all these players in a constructive manner because in the end, what we want is economic development," Thailand's ambassador to India said. Both ambassadors emphasised security, stability and connectivity were the key areas which the ASEAN would focus upon while ensuring that every country in the group prospers equally. The forum members which also included ambassador from Vietnam to India SanhChau Pham and Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India Tahir Qadiry asserted on the need to keep "geographical balance" in order to keep ASEAN relevant for all stakeholders.

ASEAN would like to provide a platform where everyone can sit at the table: Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, Thailand's ambassador to India at WION World Order

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-connectivity-economic-cooperation-and-sustainable-development-key-objectives-of-asean-sanhchau-pham-vietnam-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238417"> WION World Order forum</a> on Thursday hosted ambassadors of Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to expand and understand the concept of ASEAN, speaking at the event Gurjit Singh, India's ex-ambassador to ASEAN informed that transition from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific is the clear inclusion of India in this concept.

The former Indian ambassador to ASEAN also addressed China's role in the forum, explaining "today what you have, is ASEAN-10 and you have the Quad - an informal grouping. It makes it 14 countries. Only countries out of the EAS are China and Korea. Korea has got its own reasons, but China is not among the Quad or the ASEAN 10."

"That is the unwritten story," he added.

"Whether you read PM Modi's Shangri-La dialogue speech, or you read the ASEAN outlook, the unwritten story is the changes in this region which China has instigated through aggressive behaviour," he explained, adding,"I think ASEAN in its own way follows the "middle path" of the Buddha which we would like everybody to follow. This is how I see it."

Earlier, ASEAN perceived that it may antagonise China if it engages in Indo-Pacific discourse and that by ignoring the Indo-Pacific it may allow others to shape the regional architecture and marginalise the ASEAN. The platform, however, doesn’t see the Indo-Pacific as one continuous territorial space, &nbsp;in fact, it emphasises on development and connectivity and underlines the need for maritime cooperation, infrastructure connectivity and broader economic cooperation.

Gurjit Singh said there are "threats to the values and the area in which we live" without directly naming the countries, but cautioned that "that's why we constantly talk about open sea lanes."

"We feel threatened. I think some countries do not have a direct threat while some countries do."

Expanding on the basic concept of ASEAN, Gurjit Singh said that ASEAN has created a system "where everybody, without criticising anybody, still gets their point of view across." 
&nbsp;

The WION World Order forum on Thursday hosted ambassadors of Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to expand and understand the concept of ASEAN, speaking at the event Gurjit Singh, India's ex-ambassador to ASEAN informed that transition from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific is the clear inclusion of India in this concept.

The WION World Order forum on Thursday hosted ambassadors of Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to expand and understand the concept of ASEAN, speaking at the event Gurjit Singh, India's ex-ambassador to ASEAN informed that transition from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific is the clear inclusion of India in this concept. The former Indian ambassador to ASEAN also addressed China's role in the forum, explaining "today what you have, is ASEAN-10 and you have the Quad - an informal grouping. It makes it 14 countries. Only countries out of the EAS are China and Korea. Korea has got its own reasons, but China is not among the Quad or the ASEAN 10." "That is the unwritten story," he added. "Whether you read PM Modi's Shangri-La dialogue speech, or you read the ASEAN outlook, the unwritten story is the changes in this region which China has instigated through aggressive behaviour," he explained, adding,"I think ASEAN in its own way follows the "middle path" of the Buddha which we would like everybody to follow. This is how I see it." Earlier, ASEAN perceived that it may antagonise China if it engages in Indo-Pacific discourse and that by ignoring the Indo-Pacific it may allow others to shape the regional architecture and marginalise the ASEAN. The platform, however, doesn’t see the Indo-Pacific as one continuous territorial space, in fact, it emphasises on development and connectivity and underlines the need for maritime cooperation, infrastructure connectivity and broader economic cooperation. Gurjit Singh said there are "threats to the values and the area in which we live" without directly naming the countries, but cautioned that "that's why we constantly talk about open sea lanes." "We feel threatened. I think some countries do not have a direct threat while some countries do." Expanding on the basic concept of ASEAN, Gurjit Singh said that ASEAN has created a system "where everybody, without criticising anybody, still gets their point of view across."

Changes in the region due to China's aggressive behaviour: India's ex-ambassador to ASEAN Gurjit Singh at WION World Order

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty.

Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said. "Vietnam is facing challenges because China is deploying its survey ship within the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam. We tried to call them to pull out of this economic zone but they haven't done that. So, it is a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters as provided for by the international law on the sea."

He was speaking during a session on the Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific: An ASEAN View.

"We have to address that collectively with the ASEAN and with the whole Indo-Pacific. All the partners will have to understand that they have to respect the law," the ambassador added.

The Chinese ships are stationed at the Vanguard Bank, the wetern-most reef in the resource-rich Spratly Islands. They entered the area on July 3 and have been stationed there in the name of doing seismic research and have ignored the calls from Hanoi to leave.

China stakes ownership claims to the Spratlys - along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam - and has even built artificial islands to serve as military outposts.

Vietnam foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement last week, "Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 had conducted activities in the southern area of the East Sea that violated Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf." The South China Sea is known as the East Sea in Vietnam.

But China has asked for Vietnam to respect its sovereign rights.

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty. Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said.

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty. Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said. "Vietnam is facing challenges because China is deploying its survey ship within the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam. We tried to call them to pull out of this economic zone but they haven't done that. So, it is a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters as provided for by the international law on the sea." He was speaking during a session on the Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific: An ASEAN View. "We have to address that collectively with the ASEAN and with the whole Indo-Pacific. All the partners will have to understand that they have to respect the law," the ambassador added. The Chinese ships are stationed at the Vanguard Bank, the wetern-most reef in the resource-rich Spratly Islands. They entered the area on July 3 and have been stationed there in the name of doing seismic research and have ignored the calls from Hanoi to leave. China stakes ownership claims to the Spratlys - along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam - and has even built artificial islands to serve as military outposts. Vietnam foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement last week, "Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 had conducted activities in the southern area of the East Sea that violated Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf." The South China Sea is known as the East Sea in Vietnam. But China has asked for Vietnam to respect its sovereign rights.

Chinese ship at Vanguard Bank a threat, need to address it collectively: Vietnam ambassador at WION World Order

At the 34th&nbsp;Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) summit in Bangkok&nbsp;last month, member states had presented their collective vision for the region in a "non-binding document" for the Indo-Pacific region in the backdrop of escalating geopolitical conflict between China and&nbsp;the United States.&nbsp;

Vietnam ambassador to India, SanhChau Pham speaking on WION World Order said: "I want to stress that if you look at Indo-Pacific from ASEAN perspective, you see this is horizontal and vertical."

Explaining further, Pham added, "horizontally we will try to connect all the regions in the Indo-Pacific, we call the Indian Ocean, and vertically will try to adjust question from security to connectivity, economic cooperation and also the sustainable development objective."

During the ASEAN summit, the non-binding document for the Indo-Pacific region titled "The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific"&nbsp;laid down the goal of the forum to become an important strategic partner in cooperation with all parties in the future and to enhance the geopolitical influence of the organization. &nbsp;

Reflecting on it, &nbsp;Pham added that ASEAN plays a central role in this architecture. "This is the first time we have come with a collective concept of how we see the future of the Indo-Pacific vision," he said.

India has welcomed ASEAN’s outlook terming it "important elements of convergence"&nbsp;having its own approach towards the region. &nbsp;On the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, the Indian delegation headed by PM Modi had held discussions on the Indo-Pacific region with the Trump administration and Japan with the focus on regional connectivity and infrastructural development.

India could not become a member of ASEAN due to its geographical location being a part of South Asia. On July 23, 1996, ASEAN gave India advisory status.

At the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) summit in Bangkok last month, member states had presented their collective vision for the region in a "non-binding document" for the Indo-Pacific region in the backdrop of escalating geopolitical conflict between China and the United States.

At the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) summit in Bangkok last month, member states had presented their collective vision for the region in a "non-binding document" for the Indo-Pacific region in the backdrop of escalating geopolitical conflict between China and the United States. Vietnam ambassador to India, SanhChau Pham speaking on WION World Order said: "I want to stress that if you look at Indo-Pacific from ASEAN perspective, you see this is horizontal and vertical." Explaining further, Pham added, "horizontally we will try to connect all the regions in the Indo-Pacific, we call the Indian Ocean, and vertically will try to adjust question from security to connectivity, economic cooperation and also the sustainable development objective." During the ASEAN summit, the non-binding document for the Indo-Pacific region titled "The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" laid down the goal of the forum to become an important strategic partner in cooperation with all parties in the future and to enhance the geopolitical influence of the organization. Reflecting on it, Pham added that ASEAN plays a central role in this architecture. "This is the first time we have come with a collective concept of how we see the future of the Indo-Pacific vision," he said. India has welcomed ASEAN’s outlook terming it "important elements of convergence" having its own approach towards the region. On the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, the Indian delegation headed by PM Modi had held discussions on the Indo-Pacific region with the Trump administration and Japan with the focus on regional connectivity and infrastructural development. India could not become a member of ASEAN due to its geographical location being a part of South Asia. On July 23, 1996, ASEAN gave India advisory status.

Security, connectivity, economic cooperation and sustainable development key objectives of ASEAN: SanhChau Pham, Vietnam ambassador at WION World Order

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