Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang has died after sustaining serious injuries to his chest and abdomen during a compulsory military training exercise in New Zealand.&nbsp;

The accident occurred on Saturday when Pang, 28, had been carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer -- an artillery gun mounted on an armoured chassis -- with two other Singapore Armed Forces personnel at the Waiouru Training area.

He succumbed to injuries Wednesday after a series of stomach operations at the Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, where he was receiving treatment, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

He is an armament technician from the 268th Battalion Singapore Artillery.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, Corporal First Class (National Service) Pang sustained injuries when the gun barrel was lowered," said the ministry.&nbsp;

He was on reservist duty as part of young Singaporeans commitment to be battle ready to serve in the armed forces under the compulsory National Service.

Pang was evacuated to Waikato Hospital, a regional trauma centre, where he underwent a number of operations, it said.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital's chief of trauma and acute care surgery Dr Teo Li Tserng was flown in from Singapore to assist the New Zealand medical team attending Pang.

"Despite surgical attempts to repair damaged organs and putting him on artificial life support, CFC (NS) Pang succumbed to injuries and passed away," said the ministry.&nbsp;

Pang started out as a child actor and starred in various TV shows and movies.&nbsp;

Over the years, he matured as an actor and was recently cast in the lead role of future Channel 8 drama My One in a Million.&nbsp;

He appeared in five shows: 'Xiao Fei Ren' (1999), 'Bukit Ho Swee' (2002), 'The Adventures of BBT' (2002) 'A Child's Hope' (2003-4) and 'I Love My Home' (2004).

'From Beijing To Moscow' is Pang's most recent show slated to air in June this year.

Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang has died after sustaining serious injuries to his chest and abdomen during a compulsory military training exercise in New Zealand.

Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang has died after sustaining serious injuries to his chest and abdomen during a compulsory military training exercise in New Zealand. The accident occurred on Saturday when Pang, 28, had been carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer -- an artillery gun mounted on an armoured chassis -- with two other Singapore Armed Forces personnel at the Waiouru Training area. He succumbed to injuries Wednesday after a series of stomach operations at the Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, where he was receiving treatment, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday night. He is an armament technician from the 268th Battalion Singapore Artillery. "Unfortunately, Corporal First Class (National Service) Pang sustained injuries when the gun barrel was lowered," said the ministry. He was on reservist duty as part of young Singaporeans commitment to be battle ready to serve in the armed forces under the compulsory National Service. Pang was evacuated to Waikato Hospital, a regional trauma centre, where he underwent a number of operations, it said. Tan Tock Seng Hospital's chief of trauma and acute care surgery Dr Teo Li Tserng was flown in from Singapore to assist the New Zealand medical team attending Pang. "Despite surgical attempts to repair damaged organs and putting him on artificial life support, CFC (NS) Pang succumbed to injuries and passed away," said the ministry. Pang started out as a child actor and starred in various TV shows and movies. Over the years, he matured as an actor and was recently cast in the lead role of future Channel 8 drama My One in a Million. He appeared in five shows: 'Xiao Fei Ren' (1999), 'Bukit Ho Swee' (2002), 'The Adventures of BBT' (2002) 'A Child's Hope' (2003-4) and 'I Love My Home' (2004). 'From Beijing To Moscow' is Pang's most recent show slated to air in June this year.

Singapore actor Aloysius Pang dies during military training in New Zealand 

Hindu devotees celebrate Thaipusam in Malaysia

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-warns-malaysia-as-maritime-tensions-flare-190206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWg4eJiPffAhUbTo8KHebdDXEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0YA-DS-tX4yrSekUAjrfay">Singapore</a> has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-trade-shock-rattles-european-stocks-commodities-190200&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAqsSdiPffAhUDN48KHbFICrUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gMx50hyfiikCev7vv83tq">European and Chinese</a> models, the defence ministry said Friday.

The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes.

"The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement.

The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet".

Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s.

It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-accounts-with-russia-links-191006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjK8uu0iPffAhXMYo8KHaOzDDYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw21RFNHUbLDQahfAapSU6ib">Facebook </a>post.

"Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased.

The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said.

The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;

Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks.

The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday. The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes. "The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement. The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet". Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s. It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post. "Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased. The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said. The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin. Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks. The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore picks US F-35 fighter jet over Europe, China rivals Singapore

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/denuclearisation-includes-eliminating-us-nuclear-threat-in-korean-peninsula-north-korean-state-media-185456"> US awaits "concrete steps" by North Korea </a>to dismantle its nuclear weapons that threaten America and other countries in the region, Vice President Mike Pence has said.

Pence's statement came during his address to the global chief of mission conference on Wednesday and gains significance as the White House is preparing for another summit between President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The two leaders have recently exchanged letters.

Kim and Trump held a historic meeting in Singapore on June 12 last year where they issued a vague goal for the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula without describing when and how it would occur.

Pence said that the US awaits North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons.

"While the president has started a promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said.

In his address, Pence also said that Russia seeks to overturn the international order that the US has upheld for more than half a century.&nbsp;

"Unlike the Soviet Union and its many client states, no shared ideology or objective unites our competitors and adversaries except this one. They seek to overturn the international order that the US has upheld for more than half a century," he said.

"Truthfully, it is a pact surrounding what they perceive to be a common enemy, but the truth is the US will rise to that challenge, we will stand with our allies and we will advance our values and our principles in the world," Pence added. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Targeting Iran, Pence said that president Trump is standing up to the Iranian regime which is making the west Asian nation change its ways.&nbsp;

"And as we stand today, Iran is now under unprecedented pressure to change its ways," he said.

"The message that the disastrous nuclear deal benefited the very mullahs who oppressed their people. And even as we've striven mightily to protect our most important interests, we've also fought hard. We have also fought hard not only to stand up to those who would challenge us but to advance American values on the world stage," Pence said.

The US awaits "concrete steps" by North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons that threaten America and other countries in the region, Vice President Mike Pence has said.

The US awaits "concrete steps" by North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons that threaten America and other countries in the region, Vice President Mike Pence has said. Pence's statement came during his address to the global chief of mission conference on Wednesday and gains significance as the White House is preparing for another summit between President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The two leaders have recently exchanged letters. Kim and Trump held a historic meeting in Singapore on June 12 last year where they issued a vague goal for the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula without describing when and how it would occur. Pence said that the US awaits North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons. "While the president has started a promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said. In his address, Pence also said that Russia seeks to overturn the international order that the US has upheld for more than half a century. "Unlike the Soviet Union and its many client states, no shared ideology or objective unites our competitors and adversaries except this one. They seek to overturn the international order that the US has upheld for more than half a century," he said. "Truthfully, it is a pact surrounding what they perceive to be a common enemy, but the truth is the US will rise to that challenge, we will stand with our allies and we will advance our values and our principles in the world," Pence added. Targeting Iran, Pence said that president Trump is standing up to the Iranian regime which is making the west Asian nation change its ways. "And as we stand today, Iran is now under unprecedented pressure to change its ways," he said. "The message that the disastrous nuclear deal benefited the very mullahs who oppressed their people. And even as we've striven mightily to protect our most important interests, we've also fought hard. We have also fought hard not only to stand up to those who would challenge us but to advance American values on the world stage," Pence said.

North Korea yet to take concrete steps to dismantle nukes: Mike Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-seeks-return-of-airspace-control-amid-singapore-flight-path-dispute-181446">Singapore warned Malaysia</a> Monday it was ready to defend its interests after a flare-up of maritime tensions, the latest sign of fraying ties since a change of government in Kuala Lumpur.

The neighbours have had testy relations since Malaysia evicted the island from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies.

Ties have gone up and down over the years but have been shaky since Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad — who has long had a prickly relationship with Singapore — returned to the premiership with a shock election victory last year.&nbsp;

Tensions rose in recent weeks after purported intrusions by Malaysian vessels into Singapore waters, and the city-state proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would lead to violations of its airspace.&nbsp;

In the latest incident, the chief minister of Johor — the state closest to Singapore — visited a Malaysian ship anchored inside what the city-state claims are its waters. Singapore called off a scheduled meeting of officials from both countries in protest.

In a speech to parliament, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned: "We will always take appropriate measures to safeguard our interests, and any country dealing with Singapore must not assume that it is cost-free to embark on any adventures or antics against us.

"There will be consequences."

Tensions eased last week when foreign ministers from both countries agreed during a meeting in Singapore to take steps to calm the airspace and maritime rows, but the Johor chief minister's visit has raised the temperature again.

Balakrishnan said Singapore looked forward to resolving issues amicably and stressed that the strength of its diplomacy depends on "domestic unity and resilience and the fact that we cannot be intimidated or bought".

Ties were warm between the neighbours under the last Malaysian leader Najib Razak, but have quickly started to fray since the return of Mahathir, 93, who had the first stint as premier from 1981 to 2003.&nbsp;

Some observers trace Mahathir's long-running animosity towards Singapore back to his fractious relationship with the city-state's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew.

During his first stint in office, rows erupted frequently over everything from water -- Singapore gets much of its water supply from Malaysia — to the Malaysian leader's plan to build a bridge connecting the neighbours to replace the current causeway. The project never took off.

Tensions rose in recent weeks after purported intrusions by Malaysian vessels into Singapore waters, and the city-state proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would lead to violations of its airspace.

Singapore warned Malaysia Monday it was ready to defend its interests after a flare-up of maritime tensions, the latest sign of fraying ties since a change of government in Kuala Lumpur. The neighbours have had testy relations since Malaysia evicted the island from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies. Ties have gone up and down over the years but have been shaky since Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad — who has long had a prickly relationship with Singapore — returned to the premiership with a shock election victory last year. Tensions rose in recent weeks after purported intrusions by Malaysian vessels into Singapore waters, and the city-state proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would lead to violations of its airspace. In the latest incident, the chief minister of Johor — the state closest to Singapore — visited a Malaysian ship anchored inside what the city-state claims are its waters. Singapore called off a scheduled meeting of officials from both countries in protest. In a speech to parliament, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned: "We will always take appropriate measures to safeguard our interests, and any country dealing with Singapore must not assume that it is cost-free to embark on any adventures or antics against us. "There will be consequences." Tensions eased last week when foreign ministers from both countries agreed during a meeting in Singapore to take steps to calm the airspace and maritime rows, but the Johor chief minister's visit has raised the temperature again. Balakrishnan said Singapore looked forward to resolving issues amicably and stressed that the strength of its diplomacy depends on "domestic unity and resilience and the fact that we cannot be intimidated or bought". Ties were warm between the neighbours under the last Malaysian leader Najib Razak, but have quickly started to fray since the return of Mahathir, 93, who had the first stint as premier from 1981 to 2003. Some observers trace Mahathir's long-running animosity towards Singapore back to his fractious relationship with the city-state's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew. During his first stint in office, rows erupted frequently over everything from water -- Singapore gets much of its water supply from Malaysia — to the Malaysian leader's plan to build a bridge connecting the neighbours to replace the current causeway. The project never took off.

Singapore warns Malaysia as maritime tensions flare

Tough negotiations lie ahead over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-code-of-conduct-consultation-should-be-finished-in-3-years-china-177007">a new pact between China and Southeast Asian nations </a>aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea, as Vietnam pushes for provisions likely to prove unpalatable to Beijing, documents reviewed by Reuters suggest.

Hanoi wants the pact to outlaw many of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chinas-expansionism-in-south-china-sea-impinges-on-indias-vital-interests-186529">actions China has carried out </a>across the hotly disputed waterway in recent years, including artificial island building, blockades and offensive weaponry such as missile deployments, according to a negotiating draft of the ASEAN Code of Conduct (COC) seen by Reuters.

The draft also shows Hanoi is pushing for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone - something Beijing unilaterally announced over the East China Sea in 2013. Chinese officials have not ruled out a similar move, in which all aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, over the South China Sea.

Hanoi is also demanding states clarify their maritime claims in the vital trade route according to international law – an apparent attempt to shatter the controversial "nine-dash line" by which China claims and patrols much of the South China Sea, the draft shows.

"Going forward, there will be some very testy exchanges between the Vietnamese and China in particular over the text of this agreement," said Singapore-based Ian Storey, a veteran South China Sea expert, who has seen the draft.

"Vietnam is including those points or activities that they want forbidden by the Code of Conduct precisely because China has been carrying these out for the last 10 years."

Le Thi Thu Hang, a spokeswoman at the Vietnam Foreign Ministry, said negotiations on the Code of Conduct had made some progress recently, with Vietnam actively participating and other countries showing "their constructive and cooperative spirit".

"Vietnam wishes related countries to continue their efforts and make a positive contribution to the negotiation process in order to achieve a substantive and effective COC in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability and security in the East Sea (South China Sea) in particular and in the region in general," she said.

Singapore’s Foreign Ministry, the chair of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc for 2018, did not respond to a request for comment.

“We cannot comment right now but Thailand certainly supports discussion on the single negotiating draft,” said Busadee Santipitaks, a spokeswoman for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which takes over as ASEAN chair in the new year.

China seeks ban on outsider drills

The draft also confirms earlier reports that China wants military drills with outside powers in the South China Sea to be blocked unless all signatories agree.

In addition, Beijing wants to exclude foreign oil firms by limiting joint development deals with China and South East Asia. Experts expect both elements to be strongly resisted by some ASEAN countries.

"That is unacceptable," one Southeast Asian diplomat told Reuters, referring specifically to the suggested ban on military drills with countries outside the region.

In a statement sent to Reuters, China's Foreign Ministry said negotiations on the code were confidential, and it could not comment on their content.

The next round of working-level talks is expected to take place in Myanmar in the first quarter of next year, the Southeast Asian diplomat said.

In August, Chinese and ASEAN officials hailed the initial negotiating text as a milestone and a breakthrough when it was endorsed by the foreign ministers of ASEAN and China.

It will be negotiated over the coming year by senior ASEAN and Chinese officials and has not yet been released publicly.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last month called for the pact to be sealed by 2021, a timetable some envoys and analysts are sceptical can be reached.

"There's a lot of tough work ahead - that figure seems to have just been plucked from the air," one senior Asian diplomat said.

Dead letter?

The code builds on an earlier declaration on the South China Sea signed between ASEAN and China in 2002.

That document did not prevent the vital international trade route emerging as a regional flashpoint amid China's military rise and its extensive programme of island building on disputed reefs since 2014.

The United States and other regional powers including Japan and India are not part of the negotiations, but take a strong interest in the waterway that links Northeast Asia with the Middle East and Europe.&nbsp;

Several countries, including Japan, India, Britain and Australia, have joined the United States in gradually increasing naval deployments through the South China Sea. They are often shadowed by Chinese naval ships.

Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam's military and diplomacy at Australia's Defence Force Academy, said Hanoi was expected to prove a tough negotiator but would need support among other ASEAN members to hold a firm line against China.

The Philippines successfully challenged Beijing's South China Sea claims in an international arbitration case in 2016 but has reversed policy under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has avoided confronting China as he seeks to secure billions of dollars of loans and investments for his infrastructure programme.

The 19-page draft remains vague in key areas including its precise geographic scope, whether it will be legally binding and how disputes will be resolved.

Bonnie Glaser, a regional security expert at the Centre for International and Strategic Studies in Washington, said she believed China's more controversial proposals would prove unacceptable to several key ASEAN members, as well the United States and its allies.

"People I have spoken to in the US government say that it is the clearest evidence yet that China wants to push the US out of the region," she said.

Le Thi Thu Hang, a spokeswoman at the Vietnam Foreign Ministry, said negotiations on the Code of Conduct had made some progress recently.

Tough negotiations lie ahead over a new pact between China and Southeast Asian nations aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea, as Vietnam pushes for provisions likely to prove unpalatable to Beijing, documents reviewed by Reuters suggest. Hanoi wants the pact to outlaw many of the actions China has carried out across the hotly disputed waterway in recent years, including artificial island building, blockades and offensive weaponry such as missile deployments, according to a negotiating draft of the ASEAN Code of Conduct (COC) seen by Reuters. The draft also shows Hanoi is pushing for a ban on any new Air Defence Identification Zone - something Beijing unilaterally announced over the East China Sea in 2013. Chinese officials have not ruled out a similar move, in which all aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, over the South China Sea. Hanoi is also demanding states clarify their maritime claims in the vital trade route according to international law – an apparent attempt to shatter the controversial "nine-dash line" by which China claims and patrols much of the South China Sea, the draft shows. "Going forward, there will be some very testy exchanges between the Vietnamese and China in particular over the text of this agreement," said Singapore-based Ian Storey, a veteran South China Sea expert, who has seen the draft. "Vietnam is including those points or activities that they want forbidden by the Code of Conduct precisely because China has been carrying these out for the last 10 years." Le Thi Thu Hang, a spokeswoman at the Vietnam Foreign Ministry, said negotiations on the Code of Conduct had made some progress recently, with Vietnam actively participating and other countries showing "their constructive and cooperative spirit". "Vietnam wishes related countries to continue their efforts and make a positive contribution to the negotiation process in order to achieve a substantive and effective COC in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability and security in the East Sea (South China Sea) in particular and in the region in general," she said. Singapore’s Foreign Ministry, the chair of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc for 2018, did not respond to a request for comment. “We cannot comment right now but Thailand certainly supports discussion on the single negotiating draft,” said Busadee Santipitaks, a spokeswoman for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which takes over as ASEAN chair in the new year. China seeks ban on outsider drills The draft also confirms earlier reports that China wants military drills with outside powers in the South China Sea to be blocked unless all signatories agree. In addition, Beijing wants to exclude foreign oil firms by limiting joint development deals with China and South East Asia. Experts expect both elements to be strongly resisted by some ASEAN countries. "That is unacceptable," one Southeast Asian diplomat told Reuters, referring specifically to the suggested ban on military drills with countries outside the region. In a statement sent to Reuters, China's Foreign Ministry said negotiations on the code were confidential, and it could not comment on their content. The next round of working-level talks is expected to take place in Myanmar in the first quarter of next year, the Southeast Asian diplomat said. In August, Chinese and ASEAN officials hailed the initial negotiating text as a milestone and a breakthrough when it was endorsed by the foreign ministers of ASEAN and China. It will be negotiated over the coming year by senior ASEAN and Chinese officials and has not yet been released publicly. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last month called for the pact to be sealed by 2021, a timetable some envoys and analysts are sceptical can be reached. "There's a lot of tough work ahead - that figure seems to have just been plucked from the air," one senior Asian diplomat said. Dead letter? The code builds on an earlier declaration on the South China Sea signed between ASEAN and China in 2002. That document did not prevent the vital international trade route emerging as a regional flashpoint amid China's military rise and its extensive programme of island building on disputed reefs since 2014. The United States and other regional powers including Japan and India are not part of the negotiations, but take a strong interest in the waterway that links Northeast Asia with the Middle East and Europe. Several countries, including Japan, India, Britain and Australia, have joined the United States in gradually increasing naval deployments through the South China Sea. They are often shadowed by Chinese naval ships. Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam's military and diplomacy at Australia's Defence Force Academy, said Hanoi was expected to prove a tough negotiator but would need support among other ASEAN members to hold a firm line against China. The Philippines successfully challenged Beijing's South China Sea claims in an international arbitration case in 2016 but has reversed policy under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has avoided confronting China as he seeks to secure billions of dollars of loans and investments for his infrastructure programme. The 19-page draft remains vague in key areas including its precise geographic scope, whether it will be legally binding and how disputes will be resolved. Bonnie Glaser, a regional security expert at the Centre for International and Strategic Studies in Washington, said she believed China's more controversial proposals would prove unacceptable to several key ASEAN members, as well the United States and its allies. "People I have spoken to in the US government say that it is the clearest evidence yet that China wants to push the US out of the region," she said.

Tough South China Sea talks ahead as Vietnam seeks to curb China's actions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/firm-dollar-weighs-on-gold-amid-global-growth-risks-184712">Gold prices rose </a>slightly on Tuesday ahead of a key US Federal Reserve meeting, as speculation that signs of economic turbulence may prompt the central bank to put brakes soon on its monetary tightening cycle kept the dollar under pressure.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to raise interest rates at its two-day meeting starting later in the day, but the focus will be on its outlook for 2019.

"Investors are hoping gold prices will go up further after the meeting," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore, adding that $1,251 would be the next level that gold will likely test with support at $1,245.

Spot gold was up 0.2 per cent at $1,248.14 per ounce at 0436 GMT, while US gold futures inched 0.1 per cent higher to $1,252.2 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the dollar index inched lower after losing 0.4 per cent on Monday, amid speculation the Fed will soon hit the pause button to its monetary tightening cycle in the face of rising risks to global growth.

Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion and weigh on the dollar.

"The US dollar remains the prime mover for gold prices in the current term," Benjamin Lu, a commodities analyst with Phillip Futures in Singapore, said in a note.

"Though upside potential for gold prices faces impediment from a vigorous dollar, looming economic uncertainties will present optimistic conditions for safe-haven assets beyond 2018."

Also supporting the bullion, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asia-stocks-slide-as-global-growth-worries-deepen-184957">Asian share markets slumped </a>on Tuesday, while Wall Street stocks skidded to their lowest levels in more than a year in the previous session.

Spot gold may rise into a range of $1,253-$1,258 per ounce, according to Wang Tao, a Reuters market analyst for commodities and energy technicals.

Among other precious metals, silver was up 0.1 per cent at $14.67 per ounce, while platinum fell 0.3 per cent, to $791.10 per ounce

Spot palladium slipped 0.2 per cent to $1,255.95 per ounce after touching a record high of $1,269.5 in the previous session.

Gold prices rose slightly on Tuesday ahead of a key US Federal Reserve meeting, as speculation that signs of economic turbulence may prompt the central bank to put brakes soon on its monetary tightening cycle kept the dollar under pressure.

Gold prices rose slightly on Tuesday ahead of a key US Federal Reserve meeting, as speculation that signs of economic turbulence may prompt the central bank to put brakes soon on its monetary tightening cycle kept the dollar under pressure. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to raise interest rates at its two-day meeting starting later in the day, but the focus will be on its outlook for 2019. "Investors are hoping gold prices will go up further after the meeting," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore, adding that $1,251 would be the next level that gold will likely test with support at $1,245. Spot gold was up 0.2 per cent at $1,248.14 per ounce at 0436 GMT, while US gold futures inched 0.1 per cent higher to $1,252.2 per ounce. Meanwhile, the dollar index inched lower after losing 0.4 per cent on Monday, amid speculation the Fed will soon hit the pause button to its monetary tightening cycle in the face of rising risks to global growth. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion and weigh on the dollar. "The US dollar remains the prime mover for gold prices in the current term," Benjamin Lu, a commodities analyst with Phillip Futures in Singapore, said in a note. "Though upside potential for gold prices faces impediment from a vigorous dollar, looming economic uncertainties will present optimistic conditions for safe-haven assets beyond 2018." Also supporting the bullion, Asian share markets slumped on Tuesday, while Wall Street stocks skidded to their lowest levels in more than a year in the previous session. Spot gold may rise into a range of $1,253-$1,258 per ounce, according to Wang Tao, a Reuters market analyst for commodities and energy technicals. Among other precious metals, silver was up 0.1 per cent at $14.67 per ounce, while platinum fell 0.3 per cent, to $791.10 per ounce Spot palladium slipped 0.2 per cent to $1,255.95 per ounce after touching a record high of $1,269.5 in the previous session.

Gold ticks up as dollar stays under pressure ahead of Fed meeting

A gay Singaporean man Monday won the right to adopt a child he fathered via a surrogate in the United States, in a landmark court ruling for the conservative city-state.

While Singapore is affluent and modern in many ways, attitudes towards homosexuality are routinely criticised as outdated.&nbsp;

Gay marriage is not permitted and sex between men remains illegal under a law that dates from the British colonial era, although it is rarely enforced.&nbsp;

In the latest case, the man who is in a long-term relationship&nbsp;first inquired about adopting in Singapore but was told a homosexual couple was unlikely to get permission.

He found a surrogate in the United States who agreed to carry his child for US$200,000. Surrogacy is effectively banned in Singapore.&nbsp;A son was born and is now five years old.&nbsp;

The man, a 46-year-old pathologist who has not been identified, brought the boy back to Singapore and applied to formally adopt him, in the hope of securing his Singapore citizenship.&nbsp;

A district judge rejected the initial application in December last year. But he appealed to Singapore's High Court, which ruled in his favour.

Delivering the verdict, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said that "the evidence has demonstrated to us that it is very much in the interests of the child that the adoption order be made".

"His prospects of acquiring Singapore citizenship could be significantly enhanced by making an adoption order, which would, in turn, lead to an overall increase in the stability of his life in Singapore."

But he noted that the decision was related to that particular case and should not be viewed as an endorsement of what the man and his partner had done.

The man's lawyer Ivan Cheong said his client was "overjoyed and happy that at the end of a long adoption process, the child's welfare is upheld."

"At the end of the day, it is about what is in the child's best interests."

A gay Singaporean man Monday won the right to adopt a child he fathered via a surrogate in the United States, in a landmark court ruling for the conservative city-state.

A gay Singaporean man Monday won the right to adopt a child he fathered via a surrogate in the United States, in a landmark court ruling for the conservative city-state. While Singapore is affluent and modern in many ways, attitudes towards homosexuality are routinely criticised as outdated. Gay marriage is not permitted and sex between men remains illegal under a law that dates from the British colonial era, although it is rarely enforced. In the latest case, the man who is in a long-term relationship first inquired about adopting in Singapore but was told a homosexual couple was unlikely to get permission. He found a surrogate in the United States who agreed to carry his child for US$200,000. Surrogacy is effectively banned in Singapore. A son was born and is now five years old. The man, a 46-year-old pathologist who has not been identified, brought the boy back to Singapore and applied to formally adopt him, in the hope of securing his Singapore citizenship. A district judge rejected the initial application in December last year. But he appealed to Singapore's High Court, which ruled in his favour. Delivering the verdict, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said that "the evidence has demonstrated to us that it is very much in the interests of the child that the adoption order be made". "His prospects of acquiring Singapore citizenship could be significantly enhanced by making an adoption order, which would, in turn, lead to an overall increase in the stability of his life in Singapore." But he noted that the decision was related to that particular case and should not be viewed as an endorsement of what the man and his partner had done. The man's lawyer Ivan Cheong said his client was "overjoyed and happy that at the end of a long adoption process, the child's welfare is upheld." "At the end of the day, it is about what is in the child's best interests."

Gay Singaporean man wins right to adopt surrogate son

Oil prices climbed by around 1 per cent on Wednesday amid a stock market rebound and on expectations that an OPEC-led output cut for 2019 would stabilise the supply-demand balance.

Disruptions to Libyan crude exports after local militia seized the country's biggest oilfield, El Sharara, were also buoying prices, traders said.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $60.86 per barrel at 0543 GMT, up 66 cents, or 1.1 per cent, from their last close.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $52.22 per barrel, up 57 cents, or 1.1 per cent.

The higher prices came amid an increase in Asian share markets on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-concerned-about-being-impeached-trump-183372">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday that talks with China were taking place to defuse the trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies.

Despite Tuesday's more confident market, analysts warned of an economic slowdown.

"The global economy is set to cool in 2019-20, as rising interest rates and inflation begin to limit consumption in major developed economies, and market uncertainty weakens the fundamentals in emerging markets," the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said in its latest outlook.

British bank Barclays said in its 2019 commodities outlook that "the major risk to the near-term outlook relates to a faster-than-expected deterioration in economic activity".

In oil market fundamentals, a decision by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC producers including Russia last week to cut supply by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) has supported prices this week.

"OPEC production curbs will stabilise the market," ANZ bank said on Wednesday.

Crude prices had lost a third of their value between early October and the announcement of the cuts. Some analysts warn, though, that the agreement may not have the effect hoped for.

Fereidun Fesharaki of energy consultancy FGE said in a note that the OPEC-led cuts would likely be "insufficient to mop up the inventories in the targeted three-month period till the end of the first quarter of 2019".

As a result, FGE said prices were "likely to hover in the $55-$60 per barrel range for Brent, with WTI sitting some $5-$10 per barrel below this given current fundamentals".

Undermining the supply cuts is soaring output in the United States, where crude production has hit a record 11.7 million bpd.

The United States is set to end 2018 as the world's top oil producer, ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) saying on Tuesday the nation's annualised average output would be 10.88 million bpd for the full year.

The 2018 output increase would be 1.53 million bpd, the EIA said, adding that it expected production to average an unprecedented 12.06 million bpd in 2019.

Oil prices climbed by around 1 per cent on Wednesday amid a stock market rebound and on expectations that an OPEC-led output cut for 2019 would stabilise the supply-demand balance.

Oil prices climbed by around 1 per cent on Wednesday amid a stock market rebound and on expectations that an OPEC-led output cut for 2019 would stabilise the supply-demand balance. Disruptions to Libyan crude exports after local militia seized the country's biggest oilfield, El Sharara, were also buoying prices, traders said. International Brent crude oil futures were at $60.86 per barrel at 0543 GMT, up 66 cents, or 1.1 per cent, from their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $52.22 per barrel, up 57 cents, or 1.1 per cent. The higher prices came amid an increase in Asian share markets on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday that talks with China were taking place to defuse the trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies. Despite Tuesday's more confident market, analysts warned of an economic slowdown. "The global economy is set to cool in 2019-20, as rising interest rates and inflation begin to limit consumption in major developed economies, and market uncertainty weakens the fundamentals in emerging markets," the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said in its latest outlook. British bank Barclays said in its 2019 commodities outlook that "the major risk to the near-term outlook relates to a faster-than-expected deterioration in economic activity". In oil market fundamentals, a decision by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC producers including Russia last week to cut supply by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) has supported prices this week. "OPEC production curbs will stabilise the market," ANZ bank said on Wednesday. Crude prices had lost a third of their value between early October and the announcement of the cuts. Some analysts warn, though, that the agreement may not have the effect hoped for. Fereidun Fesharaki of energy consultancy FGE said in a note that the OPEC-led cuts would likely be "insufficient to mop up the inventories in the targeted three-month period till the end of the first quarter of 2019". As a result, FGE said prices were "likely to hover in the $55-$60 per barrel range for Brent, with WTI sitting some $5-$10 per barrel below this given current fundamentals". Undermining the supply cuts is soaring output in the United States, where crude production has hit a record 11.7 million bpd. The United States is set to end 2018 as the world's top oil producer, ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) saying on Tuesday the nation's annualised average output would be 10.88 million bpd for the full year. The 2018 output increase would be 1.53 million bpd, the EIA said, adding that it expected production to average an unprecedented 12.06 million bpd in 2019.

Oil prices rise on Asian stock rally, OPEC-led cuts

Malaysia has told Singapore it intends to take back control of airspace that the city-state has managed since 1974 amid a dispute over a flight path to a secondary airport in Singapore, Malaysia's transport minister said on Tuesday.

Singapore has put in place a new instrument landing system at its small Seletar airport to be used by turboprops and business jets that involves a flight path over Malaysian airspace without its permission, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke told parliament.

He said the flight path would lead to height limits on building development and affect shipping operations in the state of Johor on the south of the Malaysian peninsula that borders the relatively tiny island of Singapore.

Malaysia refused to approve the flight path on November 28 and 29, Loke said, and on November 29 informed Singapore it planned to take back airspace over Johor, that it had delegated for management by the city-state since 1974, in phases, with the first expected around the end of 2019 and the next phase in 2023.

"We feel that it is now the time that we regained the control of our very own airspace because over the years, we have also upgraded our air traffic control and we think we are capable of doing so," he said. "So we want to begin the process of negotiations with our Singapore counterpart."

Loke did not provide details of what airspace Malaysia intended to regain in each phase.

The Singapore transport ministry said in a statement in response to Loke's comments that Singapore "respects Malaysia's sovereignty".

“Airspace in this region is one of the most complex in the world… The benefits to both our economies and our people have been tremendous…. Hence, any proposed changes will impact many stakeholders,” it added.

Singapore's far larger and newer Changi Airport, one of the biggest hubs in Asia, uses a portion of that airspace for departures and approaches and would not want to be reliant on Malaysian management of it, said an industry source who expected they would settle the dispute before it got to that stage.

Singapore was once part of Malaysia but they separated acrimoniously in 1965, clouding diplomatic and economic dealings for years. Ties were particularly frosty during Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's previous tenure as prime minister, between 1981 and 2003.

Since returning to office after an election this year, Mahathir has deferred a rail project with Singapore and has said he wants to renegotiate the terms of a water-sharing agreement struck in 1962.

Just hours after Loke's comments, Singapore hit back with its own territorial protest against Malaysia over Kuala Lumpur's plan to extend the limits of a port in its southern-most state.

“We note with grave concern that Malaysia has recently purported to extend the Johor Bahru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore Territorial Waters,” it said in a separate statement.

"In response, Singapore has lodged strong protest with the Malaysian Government,” the transport ministry added.

A Malaysian foreign ministry spokesman declined to comment on Singapore's protest, and directed queries to the transport ministry. A spokesman for Loke declined comment.

Malaysia has told Singapore it intends to take back control of airspace that the city-state has managed since 1974 amid a dispute over a flight path to a secondary airport in Singapore, Malaysia's transport minister said on Tuesday.

Malaysia has told Singapore it intends to take back control of airspace that the city-state has managed since 1974 amid a dispute over a flight path to a secondary airport in Singapore, Malaysia's transport minister said on Tuesday. Singapore has put in place a new instrument landing system at its small Seletar airport to be used by turboprops and business jets that involves a flight path over Malaysian airspace without its permission, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke told parliament. He said the flight path would lead to height limits on building development and affect shipping operations in the state of Johor on the south of the Malaysian peninsula that borders the relatively tiny island of Singapore. Malaysia refused to approve the flight path on November 28 and 29, Loke said, and on November 29 informed Singapore it planned to take back airspace over Johor, that it had delegated for management by the city-state since 1974, in phases, with the first expected around the end of 2019 and the next phase in 2023. "We feel that it is now the time that we regained the control of our very own airspace because over the years, we have also upgraded our air traffic control and we think we are capable of doing so," he said. "So we want to begin the process of negotiations with our Singapore counterpart." Loke did not provide details of what airspace Malaysia intended to regain in each phase. The Singapore transport ministry said in a statement in response to Loke's comments that Singapore "respects Malaysia's sovereignty". “Airspace in this region is one of the most complex in the world… The benefits to both our economies and our people have been tremendous…. Hence, any proposed changes will impact many stakeholders,” it added. Singapore's far larger and newer Changi Airport, one of the biggest hubs in Asia, uses a portion of that airspace for departures and approaches and would not want to be reliant on Malaysian management of it, said an industry source who expected they would settle the dispute before it got to that stage. Singapore was once part of Malaysia but they separated acrimoniously in 1965, clouding diplomatic and economic dealings for years. Ties were particularly frosty during Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's previous tenure as prime minister, between 1981 and 2003. Since returning to office after an election this year, Mahathir has deferred a rail project with Singapore and has said he wants to renegotiate the terms of a water-sharing agreement struck in 1962. Just hours after Loke's comments, Singapore hit back with its own territorial protest against Malaysia over Kuala Lumpur's plan to extend the limits of a port in its southern-most state. “We note with grave concern that Malaysia has recently purported to extend the Johor Bahru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore Territorial Waters,” it said in a separate statement. "In response, Singapore has lodged strong protest with the Malaysian Government,” the transport ministry added. A Malaysian foreign ministry spokesman declined to comment on Singapore's protest, and directed queries to the transport ministry. A spokesman for Loke declined comment.

Malaysia seeks return of airspace control amid Singapore flight path dispute

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA."

The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture."

Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018.

Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. "

The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9,&nbsp;2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”.

China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA." The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture." Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018. Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. " The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9, 2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”. China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

ASEAN working on common approach to Indo-Pacific concept: 2019 chair Thailand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Singapore this week to attend the East Asia Summit, ASEAN-India informal meet and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. The Indian prime minister became the first head of government to deliver an address at the Singapore Fintech Festival, one of the largest events on financial technology, where he launched APIX, a banking technology designed to reach two billion people worldwide who are still without bank accounts.&nbsp;

PM Modi underlined the growing digitisation of the Indian economy and showcased India’s role in the shaping of global financial technologies which are not merely disruptive but also inclusive.

It is, however, the geopolitics and geo-economics of the changing Indo-Pacific which will be the focus of most of Modi’s engagements at various levels. The RCEP, accounting for almost 40 per cent of global trade, remains an important grouping for the 16 members — the 10-member ASEAN plus India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It is a rather ambitious undertaking and despite repeated calls for an early conclusion, it remains mired in multiple issues which are thorny in nature. Though progress on the negotiations has been slow since they began in 2013, the Trump administration’s protectionist policies have given the negotiations a new momentum. It is now being hoped that the pact may now be concluded next year. India too has found it difficult to generate a domestic consensus on RCEP and it is likely that tough decisions on tariff reductions will now be taken only after elections next year, though Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu underscored that New Delhi was “very happy that India’s concerns have been taken on board, and... country will benefit from it.”

The East Asia Summit will be India exploring wide-ranging issues pertaining to smart cities, IT, communication, maritime cooperation and terrorism with 17 other participating leaders. EAS has now emerged as the most critical multilateral framework in the Indo-Pacific where multiple stakeholders engage each other annually. The East Asia Summit, which includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, also gives India an opportunity to underline its credentials as an important stakeholder in regional developments.

PM Modi will also participate in the ASEAN India Bilateral Summit where progress in the goals set in the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit will be discussed. Addressing last year’s ASEAN-India Summit in Manila, Modi underscored India’s relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of its foreign policy. Referring to India’s Act East Policy, he had underlined that “its centrality in the regional security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region is evident”. In a symbolic move, all 10 ASEAN heads of State were invited to be guests of honour for this year’s Republic Day function. Targeting China, Modi had also assured ASEAN of “steady support towards achieving a rules-based regional security architecture that best attests to the region’s interests and its peaceful development.”

India has repeatedly underscored the centrality of the ASEAN in its Indo-Pacific vision. In his keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue earlier this year too, Modi had suggested that India will promote a democratic and rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its heart, that allows free access to common spaces and is not limited to a ‘club of limited members.’

It is in this context, it is interesting that despite suggestions that nothing much has been happening on the Quad front, the third meeting of Quad countries — India, the US, Japan and Australia — at the joint secretary-level will also take place in Singapore. It is clear that these four nations do not want to let go of the momentum that is gradually building up. There may be little substance in the engagement at the moment but all four states remain keen to leverage it in some form.

The Indo-Pacific region is now central to global politics and economics, and recent days have merely reinforced the trends that have been emerging for some time. China is the most important player in the region, and Beijing is now more confident than ever of projecting regional and global power. In this, China has had the good fortune of having an administration in the US that lacks seriousness of purpose and is unable to communicate effectively its priorities for the region. This makes this period of transition very significant for countries like India that have a stake in the long-term stability of the region. As China’s profile grows, there is a new opportunity for India in the region. Unlike in the past, New Delhi is no longer diffident about engaging with other regional players if it helps to further Indian interests in maintaining a stable balance of power in the region.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-asean-furthering-india-s-interests-in-indo-pacific-2685730">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Singapore this week to attend the East Asia Summit, ASEAN-India informal meet and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Singapore this week to attend the East Asia Summit, ASEAN-India informal meet and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. The Indian prime minister became the first head of government to deliver an address at the Singapore Fintech Festival, one of the largest events on financial technology, where he launched APIX, a banking technology designed to reach two billion people worldwide who are still without bank accounts. PM Modi underlined the growing digitisation of the Indian economy and showcased India’s role in the shaping of global financial technologies which are not merely disruptive but also inclusive. It is, however, the geopolitics and geo-economics of the changing Indo-Pacific which will be the focus of most of Modi’s engagements at various levels. The RCEP, accounting for almost 40 per cent of global trade, remains an important grouping for the 16 members — the 10-member ASEAN plus India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It is a rather ambitious undertaking and despite repeated calls for an early conclusion, it remains mired in multiple issues which are thorny in nature. Though progress on the negotiations has been slow since they began in 2013, the Trump administration’s protectionist policies have given the negotiations a new momentum. It is now being hoped that the pact may now be concluded next year. India too has found it difficult to generate a domestic consensus on RCEP and it is likely that tough decisions on tariff reductions will now be taken only after elections next year, though Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu underscored that New Delhi was “very happy that India’s concerns have been taken on board, and... country will benefit from it.” The East Asia Summit will be India exploring wide-ranging issues pertaining to smart cities, IT, communication, maritime cooperation and terrorism with 17 other participating leaders. EAS has now emerged as the most critical multilateral framework in the Indo-Pacific where multiple stakeholders engage each other annually. The East Asia Summit, which includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, also gives India an opportunity to underline its credentials as an important stakeholder in regional developments. PM Modi will also participate in the ASEAN India Bilateral Summit where progress in the goals set in the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit will be discussed. Addressing last year’s ASEAN-India Summit in Manila, Modi underscored India’s relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of its foreign policy. Referring to India’s Act East Policy, he had underlined that “its centrality in the regional security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region is evident”. In a symbolic move, all 10 ASEAN heads of State were invited to be guests of honour for this year’s Republic Day function. Targeting China, Modi had also assured ASEAN of “steady support towards achieving a rules-based regional security architecture that best attests to the region’s interests and its peaceful development.” India has repeatedly underscored the centrality of the ASEAN in its Indo-Pacific vision. In his keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue earlier this year too, Modi had suggested that India will promote a democratic and rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its heart, that allows free access to common spaces and is not limited to a ‘club of limited members.’ It is in this context, it is interesting that despite suggestions that nothing much has been happening on the Quad front, the third meeting of Quad countries — India, the US, Japan and Australia — at the joint secretary-level will also take place in Singapore. It is clear that these four nations do not want to let go of the momentum that is gradually building up. There may be little substance in the engagement at the moment but all four states remain keen to leverage it in some form. The Indo-Pacific region is now central to global politics and economics, and recent days have merely reinforced the trends that have been emerging for some time. China is the most important player in the region, and Beijing is now more confident than ever of projecting regional and global power. In this, China has had the good fortune of having an administration in the US that lacks seriousness of purpose and is unable to communicate effectively its priorities for the region. This makes this period of transition very significant for countries like India that have a stake in the long-term stability of the region. As China’s profile grows, there is a new opportunity for India in the region. Unlike in the past, New Delhi is no longer diffident about engaging with other regional players if it helps to further Indian interests in maintaining a stable balance of power in the region. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Furthering India’s interests in Indo-Pacific region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore</a>

Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition.

"Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event.

The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology&nbsp;or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries.

The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital.

Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years.

"These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said.

"We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here. Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition. "Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event. The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries. The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital. Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years. "These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said. "We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians, says PM Modi at Fintech festival in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Singapore

Ministry of External Affairs addresses press conference in Singapore

US Vice President Mike Pence told <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-need-their-prize-myanmar-defiant-as-amnesty-pulls-suu-kyi-award-177056">Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi</a> on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable.

Pence told Suu Kyi in a brief meeting with the media before they went into private talks on the sidelines of&nbsp; Asia-Pacific summit in Singapore that the United States was anxious to hear of progress in holding people accountable for the Rohingya crisis.

Suu Kyi responded that people have different views.

Pence also said that Washington wanted to see a free and democratic press in Myanmar, and the jailing of two journalists last year was "deeply troubling" for millions of Americans.

He did not mention by name Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists who were arrested in Yangon in December 2017. They were found guilty in September of breaching the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable. Pence told Suu Kyi in a brief meeting with the media before they went into private talks on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific summit in Singapore that the United States was anxious to hear of progress in holding people accountable for the Rohingya crisis. Suu Kyi responded that people have different views. Pence also said that Washington wanted to see a free and democratic press in Myanmar, and the jailing of two journalists last year was "deeply troubling" for millions of Americans. He did not mention by name Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists who were arrested in Yangon in December 2017. They were found guilty in September of breaching the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Persecution of Rohingyas inexcusable: Pence to Suu Kyi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Singapore Fintech Festival

PM Modi met<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pitches-india-as-favourite-investment-destination-at-fintech-festival-in-singapore-177215"> US vice president Mike Pence </a>ahead of the East Asia Summit, an ASEAN-India informal meet.

The US vice president and PM Modi took part in bilateral discussion as India and US seek to engage in trade and security. The two leaders are seeking a common vision for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Prosperity through partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a warm meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> of United States Michael Pence in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singapore</a>. Productive discussion on all aspects of global strategic partnership based on growing convergence of interests on regional and global issues. <a href="https://t.co/M1vtAVQhsd">pic.twitter.com/M1vtAVQhsd</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1062591822583615488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Both leaders also discussed&nbsp;the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The India prime minister expressed grief over the California wildfires which have killed at least 48 people.

PM Modi also discussed the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism in Pakistan, including defence cooperation with the US vice president.

"World peace is the only way to global prosperity,"&nbsp;PM Modi told Pence, adding,"we must work to preserve democratic values."

Pence will be representing President Donald Trump at the ASEAN and East Asia Summit in Singapore.

Prime Minister Modi will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current chair of ASEAN grouping.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi while addressing the Fintech summit in Singapore said that financial inclusion had become a reality for 1.3 billion Indian, while asserting that through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government had launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years.

After arriving in Singapore, PM Modi met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong as the two leaders discussed financial technology and regional economic integration.

India and Singapore are working to connect Indian and ASEAN small and medium enterprises.

At the keynote address, PM Modi said the world was going through a "historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things."

PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence ahead of the East Asia Summit, an ASEAN-India informal meet. The US vice president and PM Modi took part in bilateral discussion as India and US seek to engage in trade and security.

PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence ahead of the East Asia Summit, an ASEAN-India informal meet. The US vice president and PM Modi took part in bilateral discussion as India and US seek to engage in trade and security. The two leaders are seeking a common vision for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Prosperity through partnership PM @narendramodi had a warm meeting with @VP of United States Michael Pence in #Singapore. Productive discussion on all aspects of global strategic partnership based on growing convergence of interests on regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/M1vtAVQhsd — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2018 × Both leaders also discussed the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The India prime minister expressed grief over the California wildfires which have killed at least 48 people. PM Modi also discussed the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism in Pakistan, including defence cooperation with the US vice president. "World peace is the only way to global prosperity," PM Modi told Pence, adding,"we must work to preserve democratic values." Pence will be representing President Donald Trump at the ASEAN and East Asia Summit in Singapore. Prime Minister Modi will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current chair of ASEAN grouping. Earlier in the day, PM Modi while addressing the Fintech summit in Singapore said that financial inclusion had become a reality for 1.3 billion Indian, while asserting that through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government had launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years. After arriving in Singapore, PM Modi met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong as the two leaders discussed financial technology and regional economic integration. India and Singapore are working to connect Indian and ASEAN small and medium enterprises. At the keynote address, PM Modi said the world was going through a "historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things."

PM Modi meets US vice president Pence in Singapore to discuss open Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give awards on Thursday to winners of the first “India-Singapore Hackathon 2018”, a 40-team competition which began here Monday. Singapore Education Minister Ong Ye Kung will be present at the award ceremony.

The Prime Minister will visit Singapore on November 14-15 for a series of regional summits related to East Asia and will have a breakfast meeting with ASEAN leaders. During his official visit to Singapore on May 31-June 2, Modi had proposed to his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong that India and Singapore should organise a joint hackathon. Lee had welcomed the proposal.

Singapore has designated the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and its innovation and enterprise arm –- NTUitive — to conduct the Hackathon. India has designated the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

High Commission of India in Singapore facilitated the event in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs.

Twenty teams, each from both the countries comprising university and college students selected on nationwide basis, are participating in the hackathon to harness and showcase the innovation potential of the youth. 
Each of these teams has three students and one mentor.

From India, an 83-member delegation comprising 60 students, 20 mentors and three officials of the AICTE is visiting Singapore for the hackathon, said the Indian High Commission in Singapore Monday night. 
“Sowing the Seeds of Future Partnership”, the 36-hour hackathon began 9 am Monday at the NTU and ends 9 pm Tuesday.

On Wednesday, top six teams (three each from India and Singapore) will be announced after a final pitching session. 
First prize of SGD 10,000, second prize of SGD 6,000 and third prize of SGD 4,000 have been announced for each of the three winners from India and Singapore.

The ‘Problems Statements’ presented to the participants are in the areas of mapping, synchronised output of diverse social media, shared digital identity verification, effective number estimate, space management and allotment, effective learning and personal security.

These are based on campus scenarios which students can easily relate to. The solutions will act as seeds to address larger problems in these areas in society, said the High Commission in the statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give awards on Thursday to winners of the first “India-Singapore Hackathon 2018”, a 40-team competition which began here Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give awards on Thursday to winners of the first “India-Singapore Hackathon 2018”, a 40-team competition which began here Monday. Singapore Education Minister Ong Ye Kung will be present at the award ceremony. The Prime Minister will visit Singapore on November 14-15 for a series of regional summits related to East Asia and will have a breakfast meeting with ASEAN leaders. During his official visit to Singapore on May 31-June 2, Modi had proposed to his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong that India and Singapore should organise a joint hackathon. Lee had welcomed the proposal. Singapore has designated the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and its innovation and enterprise arm –- NTUitive — to conduct the Hackathon. India has designated the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). High Commission of India in Singapore facilitated the event in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs. Twenty teams, each from both the countries comprising university and college students selected on nationwide basis, are participating in the hackathon to harness and showcase the innovation potential of the youth. Each of these teams has three students and one mentor. From India, an 83-member delegation comprising 60 students, 20 mentors and three officials of the AICTE is visiting Singapore for the hackathon, said the Indian High Commission in Singapore Monday night. “Sowing the Seeds of Future Partnership”, the 36-hour hackathon began 9 am Monday at the NTU and ends 9 pm Tuesday. On Wednesday, top six teams (three each from India and Singapore) will be announced after a final pitching session. First prize of SGD 10,000, second prize of SGD 6,000 and third prize of SGD 4,000 have been announced for each of the three winners from India and Singapore. The ‘Problems Statements’ presented to the participants are in the areas of mapping, synchronised output of diverse social media, shared digital identity verification, effective number estimate, space management and allotment, effective learning and personal security. These are based on campus scenarios which students can easily relate to. The solutions will act as seeds to address larger problems in these areas in society, said the High Commission in the statement.

PM Modi to give awards to ‘India-Singapore Hackathon 2018’ winners on Thursday

PM Modi leaves for Singapore to attend 13th ASEAN summit

ASEAN Summit: PM Modi to attend summit in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday.

PM Modi, who will be here on November 14 and 15 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee, will attend the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit, India's High Commission here said in a statement.

He will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current Chair of ASEAN grouping.

"The ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit at Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship," the statement said.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lee.

On the margins of these Summits, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.

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On 14Nov,I'll have the honour to be the first Head of Govt to deliver Keynote Address at Singapore Fintech Festival. It is the right forum not only to showcase India's strengths in this fast-growing sector, but also to forge global partnerships for fostering innovation&amp;growth: PM
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062348370210181121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with US Vice President Pence on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi.

The White House said last week that Pence and Modi would discuss the India-US defence cooperation and the bilateral relationship during their meeting in Singapore.

As strategic partners, India and ASEAN enjoy close trade and economic relations. Trade between India and ASEAN stood at $81.33 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes

10.58 per cent of India's total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11.28 per cent of India's total exports.

In January, India hosted ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate 25 years of Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership.

In an unprecedented gesture, all 10 ASEAN Leaders attended the Commemorative Summit and graced the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests.

During the Summit, leaders reviewed the whole range of ASEAN-India cooperation and adopted the Delhi Declaration.

The East Asia Summit is a premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific Region comprising of the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia.

Since its inception in 2005, it has played an important role in reviewing political, security and economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the statement said.

"This will be Prime Minister's fifth engagement with EAS. At the 13th EAS, Prime Minister will join other leaders to discuss international developmental issues such as information and communications technology, smart cities, maritime cooperation, education, finance, food security, environment and energy at both the retreat and plenary sessions.

"They will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said.

PM Modi will attend the RCEP Summit to review the progress made on the negotiations presently underway to finalise the RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement presently being negotiated amongst 16 countries -- 10 ASEAN member-states and India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

The agreement, once finalised, will cover 45 per cent of the world population, 40 per cent of the world trade and 34 per cent of the global GDP amounting to $21.3 trillion.

Since the commencement of negotiations in 2012, considerable progress has been achieved during the 24 rounds of negotiations at experts' level and 12 Ministerial Sessions.

"India remains committed to a forward-looking and balanced outcome that results in a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership," the statement said.

On November 14, Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Fintech Festival- the first Head of Government to do so.

The festival, now in its third edition, is one of the largest events on financial technology and will see participation from Indian companies as well, the statement said.

On the same day, he will felicitate the winners and participants of India-Singapore Hackathon conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday. PM Modi, who will be here on November 14 and 15 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee, will attend the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit, India's High Commission here said in a statement. He will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current Chair of ASEAN grouping. "The ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit at Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship," the statement said. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lee. On the margins of these Summits, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders. On 14Nov,I'll have the honour to be the first Head of Govt to deliver Keynote Address at Singapore Fintech Festival. It is the right forum not only to showcase India's strengths in this fast-growing sector, but also to forge global partnerships for fostering innovation&growth: PM — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with US Vice President Pence on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi. The White House said last week that Pence and Modi would discuss the India-US defence cooperation and the bilateral relationship during their meeting in Singapore. As strategic partners, India and ASEAN enjoy close trade and economic relations. Trade between India and ASEAN stood at $81.33 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes 10.58 per cent of India's total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11.28 per cent of India's total exports. In January, India hosted ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate 25 years of Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership. In an unprecedented gesture, all 10 ASEAN Leaders attended the Commemorative Summit and graced the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests. During the Summit, leaders reviewed the whole range of ASEAN-India cooperation and adopted the Delhi Declaration. The East Asia Summit is a premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific Region comprising of the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia. Since its inception in 2005, it has played an important role in reviewing political, security and economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the statement said. "This will be Prime Minister's fifth engagement with EAS. At the 13th EAS, Prime Minister will join other leaders to discuss international developmental issues such as information and communications technology, smart cities, maritime cooperation, education, finance, food security, environment and energy at both the retreat and plenary sessions. "They will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said. PM Modi will attend the RCEP Summit to review the progress made on the negotiations presently underway to finalise the RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement presently being negotiated amongst 16 countries -- 10 ASEAN member-states and India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The agreement, once finalised, will cover 45 per cent of the world population, 40 per cent of the world trade and 34 per cent of the global GDP amounting to $21.3 trillion. Since the commencement of negotiations in 2012, considerable progress has been achieved during the 24 rounds of negotiations at experts' level and 12 Ministerial Sessions. "India remains committed to a forward-looking and balanced outcome that results in a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership," the statement said. On November 14, Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Fintech Festival- the first Head of Government to do so. The festival, now in its third edition, is one of the largest events on financial technology and will see participation from Indian companies as well, the statement said. On the same day, he will felicitate the winners and participants of India-Singapore Hackathon conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore.

PM Modi to have jam-packed schedule in Singapore, will meet US VP Mike Pence

Asian&nbsp;leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.

Malaysian Prime Mahathir Mohamad told a business forum ahead of the summmit in Singapore that other developed countries would take a cue from the United States and China if their tit-for-tat tariff war is allowed to spiral.

"The trade tension between the two world powers is bound to create a domino effect that will affect trade reactions and will be a reason for other developed countries to adopt protective measures against developing countries, including the ASEAN countries," Mahathir said, referring to the 10-nation Association of Southeast&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;Nations (ASEAN).

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang - for a second day - struck a conciliatory note on the trade spat, saying he was hopeful that the two sides will find a way to prevent it escalating further.

"I still hope we can hold talks based on mutual respect, balance and mutual benefits to resolve the issue. There are no winners in a trade war," Li said before his meeting with the ASEAN leaders.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Singapore meetings instead of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly panned existing multilateral trade pacts as unfair and has railed against China over intellectual property theft, entry barriers to American businesses and a yawning U..trade gap.

It was not clear if Li and Pence would meet separately on the sidelines in Singapore, which would be a prelude to a summit scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month in Buenos Aires.

Before he arrived in Singapore on Monday, Li said China would further open its economy in the face of rising protectionism, though he did not refer directly to China's bruising trade war with the United States.

"RIVAL BLOCS"

Mahathir, a veteran strongman of the region who in May returned to the prime minister's office he had occupied for 22 years, told reporters that the United States is "a colonial power" that uses "economic pressure to cow people".

In his speech, he said "the rise of trade protectionism, resurgent nationalistic movements and inward-looking policies" seemed to be emerging even among ASEAN nations.

That was echoed by summit host Singaporean Prime Lee Hsien Loong, who told a welcome ceremony for his ASEAN counterparts that "the international order is at a turning point".

"The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability has come under stress," he said, adding that it was unclear if the international order would break up into rival blocs.

Returning to the theme as the leaders sat down to dinner, he said: "Countries are becoming insular, retreating from multilateralism and globalisation, which has been the cornerstone of ASEAN peace and stability."

China's Li is expected to rally support at the Singapore meetings for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade pact that will encompass more than a third of the world’s GDP.

"Free trade has, in some aspects, prevented war effectively," he said in a speech on Tuesday. "We are willing to negotiate with all sides to push ahead with free trade internationally, and we're also willing to discuss a fairer system."

The RCEP agreement includes 16 countries, including ASEAN nations, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but not the United States.

The draft of a statement to be issued by RCEP nations later in the week, which was reviewed by Reuters, said the group would instruct "ministers and negotiators to work toward the full conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2019".

SOUTH CHINA SEA DEAL

Li said that Beijing hoped a consultation with Southeast&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;nations on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea would be completed in three years, and that such an deal would bolster free trade.

China and ASEAN agreed in August on a working text to continue long drawn-out negotiations over the code of conduct.

Some ASEAN members and China have overlapping claims to islands in the sea, one of the world's busiest waterways. For years, they have been discussing a pact to prevent an escalation of disputes.

"It is China's hope that the COC (code of conduct) consultation will be finished in three years time so that it will contribute to enduring peace and stability in the South China Sea," Li said. "China and ASEAN countries will benefit in that process, it will also be conducive to free trade and go on to serve the interests of other parties."

Last week, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis urged their Chinese counterparts to halt militarisation of the South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US&nbsp;warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Asian leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.

Asian leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries. Malaysian Prime Mahathir Mohamad told a business forum ahead of the summmit in Singapore that other developed countries would take a cue from the United States and China if their tit-for-tat tariff war is allowed to spiral. "The trade tension between the two world powers is bound to create a domino effect that will affect trade reactions and will be a reason for other developed countries to adopt protective measures against developing countries, including the ASEAN countries," Mahathir said, referring to the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Chinese Premier Li Keqiang - for a second day - struck a conciliatory note on the trade spat, saying he was hopeful that the two sides will find a way to prevent it escalating further. "I still hope we can hold talks based on mutual respect, balance and mutual benefits to resolve the issue. There are no winners in a trade war," Li said before his meeting with the ASEAN leaders. US Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Singapore meetings instead of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly panned existing multilateral trade pacts as unfair and has railed against China over intellectual property theft, entry barriers to American businesses and a yawning U..trade gap. It was not clear if Li and Pence would meet separately on the sidelines in Singapore, which would be a prelude to a summit scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month in Buenos Aires. Before he arrived in Singapore on Monday, Li said China would further open its economy in the face of rising protectionism, though he did not refer directly to China's bruising trade war with the United States. "RIVAL BLOCS" Mahathir, a veteran strongman of the region who in May returned to the prime minister's office he had occupied for 22 years, told reporters that the United States is "a colonial power" that uses "economic pressure to cow people". In his speech, he said "the rise of trade protectionism, resurgent nationalistic movements and inward-looking policies" seemed to be emerging even among ASEAN nations. That was echoed by summit host Singaporean Prime Lee Hsien Loong, who told a welcome ceremony for his ASEAN counterparts that "the international order is at a turning point". "The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability has come under stress," he said, adding that it was unclear if the international order would break up into rival blocs. Returning to the theme as the leaders sat down to dinner, he said: "Countries are becoming insular, retreating from multilateralism and globalisation, which has been the cornerstone of ASEAN peace and stability." China's Li is expected to rally support at the Singapore meetings for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade pact that will encompass more than a third of the world’s GDP. "Free trade has, in some aspects, prevented war effectively," he said in a speech on Tuesday. "We are willing to negotiate with all sides to push ahead with free trade internationally, and we're also willing to discuss a fairer system." The RCEP agreement includes 16 countries, including ASEAN nations, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but not the United States. The draft of a statement to be issued by RCEP nations later in the week, which was reviewed by Reuters, said the group would instruct "ministers and negotiators to work toward the full conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2019". SOUTH CHINA SEA DEAL Li said that Beijing hoped a consultation with Southeast Asian nations on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea would be completed in three years, and that such an deal would bolster free trade. China and ASEAN agreed in August on a working text to continue long drawn-out negotiations over the code of conduct. Some ASEAN members and China have overlapping claims to islands in the sea, one of the world's busiest waterways. For years, they have been discussing a pact to prevent an escalation of disputes. "It is China's hope that the COC (code of conduct) consultation will be finished in three years time so that it will contribute to enduring peace and stability in the South China Sea," Li said. "China and ASEAN countries will benefit in that process, it will also be conducive to free trade and go on to serve the interests of other parties." Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis urged their Chinese counterparts to halt militarisation of the South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Warnings of a 'domino effect' of protectionism as Asian leaders meet

33rd ASEAN Summit opens in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address some 30,000 people at the world's largest gathering of financial technology companies in Singapore this week and launch a banking solution for two billion people without bank accounts worldwide.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Singapore from November 14 to 15 to attend a series of summits, including the East Asian summit and ASEAN meetings.

He is scheduled to speak at the Fintech Festival which has the largest gathering of global Fintech companies and delegates ranging from the industry leaders to smaller start-ups.

He will address 30,000 people at the festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world, the organisers said. India with 400 exhibitors is the largest contingent at the event.

PM Modi will launch APIX, a banking technology designed to reach two billion people worldwide who are still without bank accounts.

Designed by software experts based in Hyderabad, Colombo and London, APIX is a sophisticated technology by Boston-headquartered Virtusa, especially for smaller banks, Tier 3 and 4, to reach out to people in the remote regions.

The Prime Minister will be launching the technology at the invitation of Monetary Authority of Singapore, the International Finance Corp of the World Bank and the ASEAN Banking Association, said Nikhil Menon, Virtusa's senior vice president and Asia regional head.

APIX will support banks to reach out to those without bank accounts in 23 countries including the 10 ASEAN members as well as major markets such as India, and small nations including Fiji, said Menon.

Supporting PM Modi's presence at the festival is India Pavilion of 18 companies.

Eight of these companies are from Mumbai. The Pavilion is organised by the state-owned Maharashtra Information Technology Corp Ltd (MahaIT).

Mumbai Fintechs at the festival are seeking opportunities in the global markets, said MahaIT Fintech Officer Suniti Nanda.

"Mumbai, as a financial hub, is also a gateway for international fintech companies to enter the Indian market," Nanda said, adding that the festival gives opportunities both to understand global market requirements and present the potential of large-scale Indian consumers.

Malaysian fintechs have expressed interest in joining Indian fintechs to venture into India, according to Tushar Shankar, co-founder of Mumbai-based PhiCommerce which is presenting PayPhi, a three-year-old cashless system of making payments.

PayPhi is a socio-economic platform enabling the simple villager to dweller in metro to make payment, he said.

The Malaysians want to tap the online buying power for Indian consumers, he said.

"We are also participating in the festival to get a deeper understanding of the global market," said Shankar.

He also highlighted that India has been drawing global fintechs' interest as it has emerged as one of the largest system-based payment markets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address some 30,000 people at the world's largest gathering of financial technology companies in Singapore this week and launch a banking solution for two billion people without bank accounts worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address some 30,000 people at the world's largest gathering of financial technology companies in Singapore this week and launch a banking solution for two billion people without bank accounts worldwide. Prime Minister Modi will be in Singapore from November 14 to 15 to attend a series of summits, including the East Asian summit and ASEAN meetings. He is scheduled to speak at the Fintech Festival which has the largest gathering of global Fintech companies and delegates ranging from the industry leaders to smaller start-ups. He will address 30,000 people at the festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world, the organisers said. India with 400 exhibitors is the largest contingent at the event. PM Modi will launch APIX, a banking technology designed to reach two billion people worldwide who are still without bank accounts. Designed by software experts based in Hyderabad, Colombo and London, APIX is a sophisticated technology by Boston-headquartered Virtusa, especially for smaller banks, Tier 3 and 4, to reach out to people in the remote regions. The Prime Minister will be launching the technology at the invitation of Monetary Authority of Singapore, the International Finance Corp of the World Bank and the ASEAN Banking Association, said Nikhil Menon, Virtusa's senior vice president and Asia regional head. APIX will support banks to reach out to those without bank accounts in 23 countries including the 10 ASEAN members as well as major markets such as India, and small nations including Fiji, said Menon. Supporting PM Modi's presence at the festival is India Pavilion of 18 companies. Eight of these companies are from Mumbai. The Pavilion is organised by the state-owned Maharashtra Information Technology Corp Ltd (MahaIT). Mumbai Fintechs at the festival are seeking opportunities in the global markets, said MahaIT Fintech Officer Suniti Nanda. "Mumbai, as a financial hub, is also a gateway for international fintech companies to enter the Indian market," Nanda said, adding that the festival gives opportunities both to understand global market requirements and present the potential of large-scale Indian consumers. Malaysian fintechs have expressed interest in joining Indian fintechs to venture into India, according to Tushar Shankar, co-founder of Mumbai-based PhiCommerce which is presenting PayPhi, a three-year-old cashless system of making payments. PayPhi is a socio-economic platform enabling the simple villager to dweller in metro to make payment, he said. The Malaysians want to tap the online buying power for Indian consumers, he said. "We are also participating in the festival to get a deeper understanding of the global market," said Shankar. He also highlighted that India has been drawing global fintechs' interest as it has emerged as one of the largest system-based payment markets.

Prime Minister Modi to address 30,000 people at Singapore financial technology fest

The World Bank report on "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ease-of-doing-business-afghanistan-tops-10-economies-improving-the-most-india-ranked-5th-174715">ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand</a>, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation".

New Zealand was ranked No-2 last year but this year the Kiwis topped the chart bringing down Singapore which slipped one slot to finish as No-2. Denmark, Hong Kong, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, US and UK made up the top-10 list.

"Singapore continues to be the economy with the most business-friendly regulation," the report said.

"The top three economies this year - New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark - exemplify a business-friendly environment," the World Bank report said, highlighting that continuous and focused reform agenda keeps an economy competitive and vigilant, as others also keep improving.

"Two economies that entered the top-20 this year - the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia - have maintained such a reform momentum," it observed.

"The United Arab Emirates is the highest ranking economy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with reforms captured in four areas. Six reforms in Malaysia were measured by Doing Business, resulting in the second highest regional improvement in the ease of doing business score," the report noted.

"The top 20 economies share a number of international good practices. In the area of starting a business, 13 of these economies have at least one procedure that can be completed online in 0.5 days," it said, while adding, "the electricity distribution utilities in all but one of the top 20 economies use automated tools, allowing for faster, more efficient and more secure restoration of service during power outages."

According to the report, regionally, almost 60 per cent of the top 50 economies were from the OECD high-income group, followed by Europe and Central Asia at 24 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific at 12 per cent.

Interestingly, Pakistan climbed two places at 136 from 138 ranked last year.&nbsp;

Doing Business measures the quality of regulation by analysing whether the regulatory infrastructure needed for a transaction to be successfully completed is in place. Doing Business does not measure the quality of the outcome related to that regulation.&nbsp;

Out of the 189 countries listed, Eritrea was ranked last with Libya, South Sudan, Venezuela and the Central African Republic finishing at the bottom.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJqOFGaTLug" width="560"></iframe>

The World Bank report on "ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation".

The World Bank report on "ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation". New Zealand was ranked No-2 last year but this year the Kiwis topped the chart bringing down Singapore which slipped one slot to finish as No-2. Denmark, Hong Kong, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, US and UK made up the top-10 list. "Singapore continues to be the economy with the most business-friendly regulation," the report said. "The top three economies this year - New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark - exemplify a business-friendly environment," the World Bank report said, highlighting that continuous and focused reform agenda keeps an economy competitive and vigilant, as others also keep improving. "Two economies that entered the top-20 this year - the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia - have maintained such a reform momentum," it observed. "The United Arab Emirates is the highest ranking economy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with reforms captured in four areas. Six reforms in Malaysia were measured by Doing Business, resulting in the second highest regional improvement in the ease of doing business score," the report noted. "The top 20 economies share a number of international good practices. In the area of starting a business, 13 of these economies have at least one procedure that can be completed online in 0.5 days," it said, while adding, "the electricity distribution utilities in all but one of the top 20 economies use automated tools, allowing for faster, more efficient and more secure restoration of service during power outages." According to the report, regionally, almost 60 per cent of the top 50 economies were from the OECD high-income group, followed by Europe and Central Asia at 24 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific at 12 per cent. Interestingly, Pakistan climbed two places at 136 from 138 ranked last year. Doing Business measures the quality of regulation by analysing whether the regulatory infrastructure needed for a transaction to be successfully completed is in place. Doing Business does not measure the quality of the outcome related to that regulation. Out of the 189 countries listed, Eritrea was ranked last with Libya, South Sudan, Venezuela and the Central African Republic finishing at the bottom.

'Ease of doing business': New Zealand, Singapore top list; Pakistan ranked 136th

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career&nbsp;as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens.

Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort.

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I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at <a href="https://twitter.com/WTAFinalsSG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTAFinalsSG</a> 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/s0th1bMm6b">pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b</a>
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1056595978084646912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider.

The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American.

Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019.

In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore. Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens. Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort. I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at @WTAFinalsSG 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) October 28, 2018 × It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider. The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American. Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019. In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina defeats Sloane Stephens to claim WTA Finals triumph

India has exhibited measures to disrupt and deter the activities of terror groups and their patrons and would not hesitate to do so again if required, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Saturday, in a veiled reference to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Sitharaman, speaking at a meeting of ASEAN defence ministers in Singapore, also said that the presence of terrorist infrastructure and support to terrorists in the "immediate neighbourhood" constantly tested India's patience and as a responsible power it exercised "great restraint" in dealing with the menace.

"However, India had exhibited measures to disrupt and deter the activities of terrorist groups and their patrons and would not hesitate to do so again if required in future," she said, according to a statement released by the Defence Ministry in New Delhi.

Sitharaman emphasised India's concern on the grave challenges to international peace and stability due to the threat of terrorism. 
Condemning the use of terror as an instrument to further state policies, she said that the interplay between states and non-state actors used as proxies to foment violence had worsened this menace.

Speaking at the Fifth ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), she reiterated India's view on the Indo-Pacific, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an open, balanced region, connected by open and secure seas, integrated by balanced trade and shaped by a rules-based order, and anchored in ASEAN centrality.

She asserted that India was committed to maintaining a sustained focus of its Act East policy in terms of economic, cultural and developmental engagement of the region.

The theme of this year's dialogue was 'Strengthening Cooperation, Building Resilience'. The dialogue adopted two resolutions on 'Countering the Threat of Terrorism' and 'Practical Confidence Building Measures'.

Sitharaman lauded the ADMM-Plus mechanism for emerging as a credible and effective platform forging practical cooperation among the members of the armed forces.

She informed the partners of India's active participation in all the ADMM-Plus mechanism contributing effectively to their success.

India and Myanmar are the co-chairs for the Expert Working Group for Military Medicine for this cycle and a standalone Field Training Exercise on Military Medicine will be held in Lucknow in March 2019 along with the release of ASEAN Military Medicine Handbook, Sitharaman said.

The defence minister emphasised India's commitment to a rules-based international order that was inclusive and democratic.

She reiterated India's desire to work both bilaterally with ASEAN member states as well as institutionally and welcomed Thailand's taking over the chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Sitharaman also held constructive bilateral discussions with the defence ministers of the US, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, the statement said. 
She also attended a meeting with the defence ministers of Russia, China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Sitharaman also held discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Hean and her Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen.&nbsp;

India has exhibited measures to disrupt and deter the activities of terror groups and their patrons and would not hesitate to do so again if required, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Saturday, in a veiled reference to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

India has exhibited measures to disrupt and deter the activities of terror groups and their patrons and would not hesitate to do so again if required, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Saturday, in a veiled reference to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Sitharaman, speaking at a meeting of ASEAN defence ministers in Singapore, also said that the presence of terrorist infrastructure and support to terrorists in the "immediate neighbourhood" constantly tested India's patience and as a responsible power it exercised "great restraint" in dealing with the menace. "However, India had exhibited measures to disrupt and deter the activities of terrorist groups and their patrons and would not hesitate to do so again if required in future," she said, according to a statement released by the Defence Ministry in New Delhi. Sitharaman emphasised India's concern on the grave challenges to international peace and stability due to the threat of terrorism. Condemning the use of terror as an instrument to further state policies, she said that the interplay between states and non-state actors used as proxies to foment violence had worsened this menace. Speaking at the Fifth ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), she reiterated India's view on the Indo-Pacific, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an open, balanced region, connected by open and secure seas, integrated by balanced trade and shaped by a rules-based order, and anchored in ASEAN centrality. She asserted that India was committed to maintaining a sustained focus of its Act East policy in terms of economic, cultural and developmental engagement of the region. The theme of this year's dialogue was 'Strengthening Cooperation, Building Resilience'. The dialogue adopted two resolutions on 'Countering the Threat of Terrorism' and 'Practical Confidence Building Measures'. Sitharaman lauded the ADMM-Plus mechanism for emerging as a credible and effective platform forging practical cooperation among the members of the armed forces. She informed the partners of India's active participation in all the ADMM-Plus mechanism contributing effectively to their success. India and Myanmar are the co-chairs for the Expert Working Group for Military Medicine for this cycle and a standalone Field Training Exercise on Military Medicine will be held in Lucknow in March 2019 along with the release of ASEAN Military Medicine Handbook, Sitharaman said. The defence minister emphasised India's commitment to a rules-based international order that was inclusive and democratic. She reiterated India's desire to work both bilaterally with ASEAN member states as well as institutionally and welcomed Thailand's taking over the chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus. On the sidelines of the meeting, Sitharaman also held constructive bilateral discussions with the defence ministers of the US, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, the statement said. She also attended a meeting with the defence ministers of Russia, China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Sitharaman also held discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Hean and her Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen.

India took steps to disrupt terror activities, will not hesitate to do so again: Nirmala Sitharaman

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment.

Johri did not go to Singapore as he has been asked by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to submit his response to the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by an anonymous person, claiming to be his ex-colleague.&nbsp;

"Ever since it was decided that Mr. Rahul Johri would not attend the ICC-CEC meeting, an impression has been created that Mr. Amitabh Choudhary, Acting secretary BCCI, is being sent as a 'substitute' for Mr Johri," read the BCCI statement.

"It must be noted Mr. Choudhary is a Director on the ICC Board of Directors, the highest ICC forum, for nearly two years now and has been representing India/BCCI at the meetings in his capacity as the ICC Board Director," read the BCCI statement.

In Johri's absence, Choudhary, who was going to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting, will also be part of the Chief Executives' meeting.

"Choudhary was scheduled to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting in the ongoing ICC conference even if Mr. Johri was going to attend the Chief Executives' meeting.

"Owing to certain circumstances, Mr. Johri is not attending the current meeting, which is attended by the respective Chief Executives of the full member countries. Mr. Choudhary, is, therefore, only, additionally standing in for Mr. Johri," the statement added.

Starting October 15, Johri has 14 days to present his response to the charges.&nbsp;

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment.

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment. Johri did not go to Singapore as he has been asked by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to submit his response to the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by an anonymous person, claiming to be his ex-colleague. "Ever since it was decided that Mr. Rahul Johri would not attend the ICC-CEC meeting, an impression has been created that Mr. Amitabh Choudhary, Acting secretary BCCI, is being sent as a 'substitute' for Mr Johri," read the BCCI statement. "It must be noted Mr. Choudhary is a Director on the ICC Board of Directors, the highest ICC forum, for nearly two years now and has been representing India/BCCI at the meetings in his capacity as the ICC Board Director," read the BCCI statement. In Johri's absence, Choudhary, who was going to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting, will also be part of the Chief Executives' meeting. "Choudhary was scheduled to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting in the ongoing ICC conference even if Mr. Johri was going to attend the Chief Executives' meeting. "Owing to certain circumstances, Mr. Johri is not attending the current meeting, which is attended by the respective Chief Executives of the full member countries. Mr. Choudhary, is, therefore, only, additionally standing in for Mr. Johri," the statement added. Starting October 15, Johri has 14 days to present his response to the charges.

Not Johri's substitute: BCCI on Choudhary at ICC meeting

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-longest-flight-departs-singapore-for-new-york-170955">world's longest commercial flight</a>&nbsp;arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight.

It marked the revival of a route that had been eliminated in 2013.

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ22 arrived at 5:29 am (0929 GMT), the Newark Liberty International Airport web site said. That made for a flight of 17 hours and 52 minutes.

The flight had been scheduled to take 18 hours and 25 minutes.

The plane was carrying 150 passengers and 17 crew members.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 plane before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable.

This trip was made with the new and more fuel efficient Airbus A350-900ULR.

It topped the previous longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight.

The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight. It marked the revival of a route that had been eliminated in 2013. Singapore Airlines Flight SQ22 arrived at 5:29 am (0929 GMT), the Newark Liberty International Airport web site said. That made for a flight of 17 hours and 52 minutes. The flight had been scheduled to take 18 hours and 25 minutes. The plane was carrying 150 passengers and 17 crew members. Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 plane before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable. This trip was made with the new and more fuel efficient Airbus A350-900ULR. It topped the previous longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

Jetliner lands in US after world's longest flight

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York.

A spokeswoman for Singapore Airlines told AFP that Flight SQ22 departed at approximately 11:35pm (1535 GMT) with 150 passengers and 17 crew on board.

Two pilots, a special "wellness" menu and more than seven weeks' worth of film and television entertainment accompany the travellers on the 16,700-kilometre (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple.

The long-range Airbus A350-900ULR is configured to carry up to 161 passengers -- 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy, with no regular economy seats available.

For the flight crew -- which also includes two first officers and a 13-strong cabin contingent -- the workload will be broken up, the airline said, with each pilot having a minimum eight hours' rest during the flight.

But for passengers, the challenge will be what to do with all that down time when they're up in the air.

For those not packing a weighty novel (or two), there will be 1,200 hours of audio-visual entertainment to choose from.

Dining options will include dishes the airline says have been selected to promote well-being in the skies, with organic offerings on the menu.

Passenger Peggy Ang, 52, said before the flight that she felt "apprehensive because I'm not sure what would I do in 18.5 hours" inside the plane.

"Now that you asked me, I'm a little bit worried. I'm thinking of sleeping, watching TV, doing my work," she told reporters after checking in at Changi Airport for the flight.

"I have a lot of notes to read, hopefully I can sleep well," said Ang, a membership director of an IT services firm.

Return ticket

Some of the passengers were flight enthusiasts, like Singaporean engineer Danny Ong, 50, who bought a return ticket.

"I'm coming back on the next flight. I enjoy the passion of flying," he told AFP, adding he would binge on the in-flight entertainment.

Pier Messaggio, 41, an Italian electronics designer based in Singapore, said he is part of a group called "First to Fly" whose members have been on board all of Singapore Airlines' inaugural flights.

He and his group met during the world's first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 double-decker plane operated by the airline in 2007 and discovered that everyone had a passion for flying.

"I fly for fun... I'm an aviation enthusiast," Messaggio told AFP.

Airbus said the A350-900URL plane's cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag -- all part of an effort to lessen the stresses that can accompany almost a day on a plane.

"Research has shown that hydration and food intake are important factors (to consider), such as avoiding foods that cause gas or bloating as well as excessive alcohol," Rhenu Bhuller, a healthcare expert at consultancy Frost &amp; Sullivan, told AFP.

"The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration," said Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

Long-distance race

The twin-engine plane uses a modified system that burns 25 per cent less fuel than other aircraft of a similar size, Airbus said.

The flight from the city-state to Newark Airport can take up to 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions, but the pilots will have something in reserve in an aircraft capable of flying more than 20 hours non-stop.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable.

But the carrier is hoping that the introduction of more fuel-efficient planes will set cash registers ringing even as crude prices soar above $80.

Thursday's flight will top the current longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

"It's turning out to be a race between a few airlines eyeing the longest routes inter-continentally," said Shukor Yusof of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.

"They are hoping to capitalise and exploit a very niche market," he told AFP.

Facing increasingly strong competition in recent years, Singapore Airlines has consolidated its low-fare subsidiaries and is strengthening its premium segment.

"Ultra-long haul services comprise an important component of that strategy," an airline spokesman told AFP.

The company is the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900ULR plane. It received the first aircraft in September. Six more are due for delivery by the end of the year.

"We are optimistic about the demand for non-stop services to the US," the spokesman said.

Analyst Shukor, however, said it remained to be seen whether the airline and other operators of marathon flights can withstand the pressure from rising oil prices.

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York.

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York. A spokeswoman for Singapore Airlines told AFP that Flight SQ22 departed at approximately 11:35pm (1535 GMT) with 150 passengers and 17 crew on board. Two pilots, a special "wellness" menu and more than seven weeks' worth of film and television entertainment accompany the travellers on the 16,700-kilometre (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple. The long-range Airbus A350-900ULR is configured to carry up to 161 passengers -- 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy, with no regular economy seats available. For the flight crew -- which also includes two first officers and a 13-strong cabin contingent -- the workload will be broken up, the airline said, with each pilot having a minimum eight hours' rest during the flight. But for passengers, the challenge will be what to do with all that down time when they're up in the air. For those not packing a weighty novel (or two), there will be 1,200 hours of audio-visual entertainment to choose from. Dining options will include dishes the airline says have been selected to promote well-being in the skies, with organic offerings on the menu. Passenger Peggy Ang, 52, said before the flight that she felt "apprehensive because I'm not sure what would I do in 18.5 hours" inside the plane. "Now that you asked me, I'm a little bit worried. I'm thinking of sleeping, watching TV, doing my work," she told reporters after checking in at Changi Airport for the flight. "I have a lot of notes to read, hopefully I can sleep well," said Ang, a membership director of an IT services firm. Return ticket Some of the passengers were flight enthusiasts, like Singaporean engineer Danny Ong, 50, who bought a return ticket. "I'm coming back on the next flight. I enjoy the passion of flying," he told AFP, adding he would binge on the in-flight entertainment. Pier Messaggio, 41, an Italian electronics designer based in Singapore, said he is part of a group called "First to Fly" whose members have been on board all of Singapore Airlines' inaugural flights. He and his group met during the world's first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 double-decker plane operated by the airline in 2007 and discovered that everyone had a passion for flying. "I fly for fun... I'm an aviation enthusiast," Messaggio told AFP. Airbus said the A350-900URL plane's cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag -- all part of an effort to lessen the stresses that can accompany almost a day on a plane. "Research has shown that hydration and food intake are important factors (to consider), such as avoiding foods that cause gas or bloating as well as excessive alcohol," Rhenu Bhuller, a healthcare expert at consultancy Frost & Sullivan, told AFP. "The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration," said Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore. Long-distance race The twin-engine plane uses a modified system that burns 25 per cent less fuel than other aircraft of a similar size, Airbus said. The flight from the city-state to Newark Airport can take up to 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions, but the pilots will have something in reserve in an aircraft capable of flying more than 20 hours non-stop. Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable. But the carrier is hoping that the introduction of more fuel-efficient planes will set cash registers ringing even as crude prices soar above $80. Thursday's flight will top the current longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes. "It's turning out to be a race between a few airlines eyeing the longest routes inter-continentally," said Shukor Yusof of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics. "They are hoping to capitalise and exploit a very niche market," he told AFP. Facing increasingly strong competition in recent years, Singapore Airlines has consolidated its low-fare subsidiaries and is strengthening its premium segment. "Ultra-long haul services comprise an important component of that strategy," an airline spokesman told AFP. The company is the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900ULR plane. It received the first aircraft in September. Six more are due for delivery by the end of the year. "We are optimistic about the demand for non-stop services to the US," the spokesman said. Analyst Shukor, however, said it remained to be seen whether the airline and other operators of marathon flights can withstand the pressure from rising oil prices.

World's longest flight departs Singapore for New York

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