ASEAN-India Cooperation in the 21st Century
The Heads of State/Government of the Member States of ASEAN and
the Prime
Minister of the Republic of India expressed satisfaction that
ASEAN-India relations had been rapidly developed and enhanced
since the establishment of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in
1992 and especially since India became a full Dialogue Partner
in December 1995 and subsequently participated in the ASEAN Regional
Forum (ARF) in July 1996. They were convinced that the strengthening
of their relations, which were rooted in
close historical and cultural ties served the fundamental interests
of their respective peoples and peace, stability and prosperity
of the Asia-Pacific region.
They recognized the pluralistic nature of their societies, encompassing
major religions of the world, and a wealth of diverse cultures.
They agreed that this affinity constituted a special asset for
the further development of their relations.
Given new developments and challenges arising in the 21st Century,
the Leaders of ASEAN and India resolved to further advance their
cooperation to a new height to address common challenges confronting
the region and the world. Based on the foundation of their close
cooperative relationship and recognizing the importance of concerted
efforts, they had
convened the First ASEAN-India Summit in Cambodia in accordance
with the decision of the ASEAN Leaders at the 7th ASEAN Summit
in Brunei Darussalam in November 2001.
Promoting Regional Peace and Stability
ASEAN and India committed themselves to jointly contribute to
the promotion of peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific
region and the world, and respond positively to the challenges
of a dynamic regional and international environment.
They affirmed that the Charter of the United Nations, the Treaty
of Amity and Cooperation in South-east Asia, the Five Principles
of Peaceful Co-existence and other universally recognized principles
of international law should serve as basic norms governing their
relations. They reaffirmed in particular their respect for each
other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and
the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other
states as well as the principle of mutual benefit in international
cooperation.
They agreed to enhance cooperation at various regional and international
fora. They resolved to intensify cooperation in the ARF, including
combating terrorism comprehensively to make the region a safer
place for all, and agreed that Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)
should be further deepened as a foundation of the ARF process
in its future steps forward.
They also exchanged views and perspectives on non-traditional
security threats, and on the inter-linkages among transnational
crimes, such as trafficking in illegal drugs, people smuggling
including trafficking in women and children, sea piracy, terrorism,
arms smuggling, money laundering, economic crime and cyber crime.
In this context, they agreed to develop concrete programmes of
cooperation.
ASEAN appreciated India's recognition of and her willingness to
accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
(TAC)
India welcomed the entry into force of the Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, which represented an important
contribution of ASEAN towards strengthening security and stability
in the region, as well as in contributing to the process of global
nuclear disarmament.
Fostering Closer Economic and Development Cooperation
Acknowledging that economic progress would also enhance regional
peace, security and stability, they shared the view that continued
economic cooperation between the two sides would promote the dynamism
and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, they
agreed on the importance of enhancing their close economic cooperation
and to work
towards India-AFTA Linkages. They welcomed the adoption of an
India-ASEAN Regional Trade and Investment Area as a long-term
objective at the First ASEAN-India Economic Ministers' Consultations,
held at Brunei Darussalam, on September 15, 2002. They also noted
the decision to set up an ASEAN-India Task Force on Economic Linkages,
which is to prepare a draft Framework Agreement to enhance ASEAN-India
Economic Cooperation, for submission to the next meeting of ASEAN-India
Economic Ministers at Phnom Penh in October 2003.
They expressed their deep gratification over the course of ASEAN-India
cooperation thus far, particularly in the wide range of areas
in science and technology. They expressed their determination
to strengthen these and other forms of cooperation.
India expressed support for the Initiative for ASEAN Integration
(IAI) and its commitment to participate in IAI projects, especially
in HRD, and assist ASEAN new members in various forms, including
through joint programme with the older ASEAN members. India also
expressed its readiness to consider early granting of preferential
tariff treatment to
new ASEAN members States. They reaffirmed their common interest
in developing the Programme of Action for the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation
focusing on important areas of cooperation, such as tourism, culture,
education and transport and communication. India also attached
importance to and agreed to look into possible participation in
regional and
sub-regional development programs, such as ASEAN Mekong Basin
Development Cooperation (AMBDC), and the Greater Mekong Sub-region
(GMS).
ASEAN Leaders expressed their high appreciation for the continued
economic and technical cooperation with India. ASEAN member States
and India agreed on the need to consolidate and enhance their
close economic relations by promoting trade and investment, facilitating
market access, improving the flow of technology and enhancing
the flow of and access to
trade and investment-related information. They also agreed to
cooperate in the World Trade Organization (WTO), in particular
towards the early entry of Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam in the
WTO.
New Directions in ASEAN-India Relations
With a view to fostering an enhanced partnership, they noted in
particular the importance of dialogue at high level and decided
to hold ASEAN-India Summits annually.
Given a dynamic surge of ASEAN-India cooperation, they acknowledged
the importance of contacts between the peoples of ASEAN and India.
In this regard, they agreed to further promote people to people
interaction not only through dialogue at the level of policymakers
but also through exchange programmes of youth, media personnel,
academics, business people, government officials and artists.
Interaction among these groups of people would help promote better
understanding and lasting friendship which will be important in
forging greater cooperation between ASEAN and India. They also
agreed to support the development of an ASEAN-India network of
think tanks to provide long-term perspectives on the development
of ASEAN-India relations.
They tasked the ministers and senior officials to look into the
implementation of the above decisions and to present a report
card on the progress of the implementation at the next ASEAN-India
Summit.
