Economic and geo-political centre of gravity of the world has shifted towards the Asia-Pacific: Vice President
Economic and geo-political
centre of gravity of the world has shifted towards the Asia-Pacific: Vice
President
Addresses Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Addresses Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
The Vice President, Shri M.
Hamid Ansari said that the economic and geo-political centre of gravity of the
world has again shifted towards the Asia-Pacific, with the region showing
unparalleled dynamism in economic, political, security and demographic terms.
He was addressing the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, today on the themes of
culture, commerce and connectivity that linked India, Thailand and the larger
ASEAN region.
The Vice President said that ancient
links of civilization, culture and commerce between India and Thailand give
shared perceptions of the evolving commercial and political environment in the
region and his visit underscores the importance India attaches to Thailand as
part of increasing engagement with the region. He also said as the trade and
investment between India and Thailand remains modest, there is a need to
synergize efforts to enhance and diversify trade. We need to encourage our
private sectors to make investments in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors
in the each others’ country, he added.
The Vice President said that India
places ASEAN at the core of the ‘Act East Policy’ and there is a special
emphasis on India-ASEAN cooperation in domestic agenda on infrastructure,
manufacturing, trade, skills, urban renewal, smart cities and Make in India
programmes. Connectivity projects, cooperation in Science and Technology
development and people-to-people exchanges are to be the springboard for
regional integration and co-prosperity, he added.
On Culture, the Vice President
said that the spread of Buddhism from India is attributed to Emperor Ashoka,
who sent Buddhist emissaries to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and
Vietnam. The Thai epic, Ramakien is based on the Ramayana and in modern times,
many Indians migrated to South East Asia constitute a vibrant community and
contributing actively to their respective countries of adoption.
On Commerce, the Vice
President said that the India–ASEAN region has significantly outpaced many
other regions of the world. With mutual trade and investment opportunities
arising from the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community and India’s
emphasis on ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Smart Cities’
initiatives, we are confident that India-ASEAN commercial partnership will
flourish, he added. He further said that India offers ASEAN the indigenously
developed GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) services, which provides
advanced navigation and location assistance and information facilities.
On Connectivity, the Vice
President said that ASEAN continues to be a strategic priority for India
and efforts are being made to develop a coherent strategy, particularly for
linking ASEAN with North East India. This is reflected in the
India-Myanmar-Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement and ASEAN-India Maritime
Transport Cooperation Agreement. ASEAN-India Civil Aviation Task Force is
expected to oversee optimization of air connectivity, he added.
The Vice President said that
India is ready to meet the expectations of our friends in the region and play a
more pro-active role in the processes leading to the ASEAN Community.
Following is the text of the
Vice President's address:
"I am delighted to be
here at this prestigious University named after the illustrious King
Chulalongkorn or Rama V, whose centenary will be celebrated next year. I
felicitate the University on moving towards this milestone.
Our relationship is not of recent
origin. Some in this audience may know that King Chulalongkorn, after whom this
University is named, paid a Royal visit to India in 1872. In 1915, we were
honoured to receive another Royal visit from Thailand by King Vajiravudh (Rama
VI), the founder of this University. We celebrated the centenary of that visit
last year and, in particular, the enduring links then fostered between the
Indian port city of Surat and Surat Thani in southern Thailand.
The establishment of the ASEAN
Economic Community this year has been a historic event. This journey began in
Bangkok in 1967. I am told that the Thai name of Bangkok, ‘Krung Thep’ is
an abbreviation for
“the city of angels, the great
city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand
capital of the world endowed precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an
enormous royal palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the
reincarnated God, a city given by Indra and built by Vihnukarn.”
To my mind, this is an apt
illustration of the ancient links of civilization, culture and commerce that
existed between India and Thailand. These links give us shared perceptions of
the evolving commercial and political environment in the region and the world
at large.
My visit underscores the
importance India attaches to Thailand as part of our increasing engagement with
the region. Despite the large size and rapid growth of our economies, the trade
and investment between India and Thailand remains modest. There is a need to
synergize our efforts in the areas of economy and business to enhance and
diversify our trade. We need to encourage our private sectors to make
investments in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors in the each others’
country and for this the two governments are willing to provide a predictable
and comprehensive legal and taxation frame-work.
There is tremendous potential
for enhancing our bilateral defence ties. Thailand has played host to ships of
the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard on several occasions in recent
years. We hope to continue this cooperation through technical, human
resource development, capacity building and contributing to the development of
Thai capacities, both physical and human.
Since 1991, India has pursued
a ‘Look East’ policy. This emanated from a perception that our economic
progress and well being is intimately linked to the growth and prosperity of
the entire Asian continent, especially of our friends across the Bay of Bengal
and Andaman Sea. ASEAN was thus a natural partner for our engagement in the
Asia Pacific region. It is a partnership based both on a shared heritage and a
pragmatic appraisal of economic growth and prosperity; peace and stability.
Since the commencement of the
dialogue relationship with ASEAN in 1992, the potential of this partnership has
grown commensurate to the increase in our collective capacities, our growing
economic integration and the ongoing evolution of the political and security
architecture in South and East Asia. The up-gradation of the ASEAN-India
relationship into a Strategic Partnership in 2012 was a natural progression in
this relationship.
In recent months, we have
enhanced our engagement in South-East Asia. This was reflected in Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in 2014 at the India—ASEAN summit at Nay Pyi
Taw in Myanmar:
“India’s ‘Look East Policy’
has become ‘Act East Policy’. A rapidly developing India and ASEAN can be great
partners for each other. We are both keen to enhance our cooperation in
advancing balance, peace and stability in the region”.
India places ASEAN at the core
of the ‘Act East Policy’ and at the centre of our dream of an Asian century.
There is a special emphasis on India-ASEAN cooperation in our domestic agenda
on infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, skills, urban renewal, smart cities
and Make in India programmes. Connectivity projects, cooperation in Science and
Technology development and people-to-people exchanges are to be the springboard
for regional integration and co-prosperity.
The Delhi Dialogue, the eighth
edition of which will be held later this month; the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons
Lecture Series and the ASEAN-India Centre in New Delhi are important components
of our agenda to enhance mutual understanding. The ASEAN-India Plan of Action
for the period 2016-20 was adopted in August 2015 which identifies concrete
initiatives and areas of cooperation along the three ASEAN pillars -
political-security, economic and socio-cultural. We have opened a separate
Mission to ASEAN and EAS in Jakarta to further strengthen our engagement.
Today, India and ASEAN have 30
annual dialogue mechanisms including a Summit at Prime Ministerial level and
seven sectoral dialogues at Ministerial level. We have established three funds
to support our vast agenda with the ASEAN- the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund,
the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Fund, and the ASEAN-India Green Fund.
Numerous projects are being implemented under these funds - ranging from
establishing of a space station to fighting malaria to promoting agricultural
research. The breadth and intensity of India’s engagement with South East Asia
is unmatched by any of our other regional relationships. We have an intensive
engagement across Governments as well as between experts, think tanks, private
sectors, academia, diplomats, farmers, students and media.
This trident of Commerce,
Culture and Connectivity defines the future focus areas of cooperation between
ASEAN member States and India. Allow me to dwell on some aspects of it.
Culture: From Borobudur in
Indonesia to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, our shared heritage finds an exuberant
manifestation. The spread of Buddhism from India is attributed to Emperor
Ashoka, who sent Buddhist emissaries to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam. Indian mythology and folklore finds reflection here. The Thai
epic, Ramakien is based on the Ramayana. The Ahoms, the Khamtis and the Khasis
in people of India have links with Thai people. In modern times, many
Indians emigrated to South East Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their
descendants today constitute a vibrant community of people of Indian origin,
contributing actively to their respective countries of adoption.
In consideration of these
links, India is considering the feasibility of liberalizing our visa regime for
ASEAN countries to facilitate Buddhist tourist arrivals. The re-establishment
of the Nalanda University, which has strong support from several ASEAN members,
is progressing well. Nalanda was once a world-renowned knowledge hub
where scholars from around the world, including South East Asia and India,
exchanged knowledge and ideas. Now, we are working to create a similar
world class university in the 21st century, with the support of our East Asian
partners, and have offered scholarships to students from CLMV countries to
study there.
Commerce: In the year 2014-15,
ASEAN-India trade stood at US$ 76.58 billion, growing at an average annual
growth rate of 12%, up from US$ 44 billion during the year 2009-10. In terms of
two-way FDI flows, the India–ASEAN region has significantly outpaced many other
regions of the world. Over the past seven years, US$ 25 billion of FDI equity
has come into India from ASEAN countries and US$ 31 billion of Indian equity
has found its way into ASEAN.
With mutual trade and
investment opportunities arising from the realization of the ASEAN Economic
Community and India’s emphasis on ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Skill
India’ and ‘Smart Cities’ initiatives, we are confident that India-ASEAN commercial
partnership will flourish. The ASEAN-India Trade-in-Goods Agreement signed in
2009 has helped in bringing about steady increase in trade volumes. The entry
into force of India-ASEAN Trade-in-Services and Investment Agreements in July
2015 was a major step forward. India is looking forward to progress in
negotiations for a balanced and ambitious Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement.
Science, technology &
innovation constitute a vital pillar of India-ASEAN cooperation. India is planning
to enhance the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund from the
current US$ 1 million to US$ 5 million in near future. We are planning to set
up an ASEAN-India Innovation Platform to facilitate commercialization of low
cost technologies, technology transfer and collaborative R&D projects.
India is implementing US$ 21.53 million project on Establishment of a Tracking
and Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility for ASEAN at Ho Chi
Minh City, upgrading of the existing station at Biak, Indonesia and training
ASEAN Personnel in Space Science & Technology in Dehradun in India.
We are open to offering ASEAN
our indigenously developed GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) services,
which provides advanced navigation and location assistance and information
facilities.
Connectivity: Connectivity
with ASEAN in all its dimensions – physical, institutional and people-to-people
– continues to be a strategic priority for us. Special efforts are being made
to develop a coherent strategy, particularly for linking ASEAN with North East
India. This is reflected in the finalization of negotiations on the
India-Myanmar-Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement and ASEAN-India Maritime
Transport Cooperation Agreement. ASEAN-India Civil Aviation Task Force is
expected to oversee optimization of air connectivity. Other major projects on
connectivity include the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project and
Rhi-Tiddim Road.
India has committed a Line of
Credit of US $ 1 billion to promote projects that support physical and digital
connectivity between India and ASEAN. India and ASEAN need to focus on an
extension of the trilateral Highway to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. We also
have to work towards converting these transport corridors into economic
corridors. The Mekong-India Economic Corridor, which is expected to connect the
industrial and freight corridors in India with the production networks in the
Mekong region through the Chennai-Dawei sea link will have a beneficial effect
on all our economies. As part of our digital connectivity initiatives, we are
exploring the setting up of information highways or i-ways between India and
ASEAN.
It is evident that a stronger
ASEAN–India partnership would give us a stronger voice on global governance
issues. The time is ripe for our common engagement for bringing greater equity
into the international order. ASEAN members and India have similar
aspirations to have an open trading system through global organizations like
the WTO. We have also shown a strong commitment, based on the principle of common
but differentiated responsibility, as we take up our own role to address issues
related to climate change. We are also together in the efforts for
reforming the United Nations, particularly its Security Council. The role and
composition of the United Nations Security Council needs to reflect the
requirement of developing countries to have a greater say in decision
making.
India has a shared vision for
a peaceful region and the seas around us. We believe that all trade
routes and the sea lanes must be protected from traditional and non-traditional
threats and all countries using these international waters must act with
responsibility and restraint. As the countries in the ASEAN region strive
for greater economic integration, the safety of sea lanes - critical for
maritime trade and commerce, maritime security, and access to marine resources
in accordance with accepted international norms, continues to assume greater
significance.
The evolving situation in the
South China Sea demands restraint from all parties. We support collective
efforts by ASEAN Member States and China to conclude the Code of Conduct to
keep peace and stability in the region.
Non-traditional threats such
as piracy, smuggling, transnational crimes and drug-trafficking are on the rise
and pose a challenge for our countries and require strong and determined,
coordinated action to control. The spreading tide of extremism and terrorism is
a threat we both face. Successfully dealing with such threats requires strong
cooperation among like-minded partners. Thailand and India already have a
robust cooperation in this area and I am glad that we have also taken steps to
institutionalize such cooperation at the regional level.
The rationale for a strong
ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership is clearer than ever. As in the distant past
when countries in this region and India shared robust trade links for mutual
benefit and prosperity, today they have again emerged as key drivers of
economic growth for the Asia-Pacific, and, indeed, the world. Together, India
and South East Asia constitute a community of 1.9 billion people, representing
one-fourth of humanity and account for a combined GDP of US $ 4.75 trillion; it
is therefore only natural that they would work towards a qualitatively more
substantive and invigorated relationship.
India is ready to meet the
expectations of our friends in the region and play a more pro-active role in
the processes leading to the ASEAN Community.
The economic and geo-political
centre of gravity of the world has again shifted towards the Asia-Pacific, with
the region showing unparalleled dynamism in economic, political, security and
demographic terms. Today, as ASEAN and India stand at the dawn of a new era,
time has come perhaps to reclaim our past heritage.
Long live Thailand-India
friendship. Long live ASEAN-India friendship.
Thank You."
***
Vice President of India, Shri
M. Hamid Ansari addressing the Banquet hosted by General Prayut Chan-o-cha,
Prime Minister of Thailand, in Bangkok on 3 February 2016
"Your
Excellency Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand,
Mrs. Naraporn Chan-o-cha, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
My wife and I are delighted to be here in the dynamic city of Bangkok, the capital of this beautiful land. I thank Your Excellency for your gracious words, the warm welcome, the generous hospitality and the friendship of your people.
Excellency,
More than one million Indian tourists who visit the 'Land of Smiles' every year see the indelible imprint of our shared heritage - epitomized by the timeless message of Lord Buddha and the shared lore of the Ramayana.
India and Thailand are natural partners, linked by history, geography and the close contacts between our two peoples. My visit, the first at by an Indian Vice-President in 56 years, is a manifestation of the desire we have to deepen the flow of ideas, people to people contacts and bilateral trade between our lands.
My visit is taking place at a time when our bilateral relations can be described as excellent. We greatly appreciate the role of His Majesty the King in nurturing these relations; just as the idea of Buddhism, though germinating in India, has been nurtured in this land. We appreciate your Government's commitment to imparting greater momentum to the relations between our two countries.
Excellency,
Tomorrow, I will speak about India's ‘Act East’ Policy at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University. Thailand is an important pillar of this policy and a valued partner. We admire the way Thailand has brought progress to its industrious people by making great strides in socio economic development.
Our cooperation, both bilaterally and in the ASEAN rubric, encompasses diverse areas of mutual interest including Trade and Investment, Science and Technology, Education, and Cultural Exchanges. People-to-people contacts at various levels are the lifeblood of our friendship. I am pleased that our two countries have taken important steps in the pursuit of closer cooperation, stronger connectivity and greater commerce.
As maritime neighbours, we have a shared interest in the security of international sea lanes of communication and commerce. Our resolve to strengthen our bilateral engagement in the areas of security and defence will help the region as a whole and promote greater regional economic integration and connectivity.
We are both engaged in transforming our ancient lands in to modern knowledge economies. India is a bright spot with the highest economic growth amongst the larger emerging countries. There is growing interest from across the world in building partnerships of trade, investment and innovation with India. I would urge the government and business community in Thailand to avail of the opportunities provided by a growing India.
Excellency,
I see a very promising future for our bilateral relations. There is much untapped potential in our relationship and much to rediscover and learn from each other's culture, industry and society. With its unique geographic location, Thailand can be a bridge linking South East Asia to East Asia; while India can act as your springboard to West and Central Asia and to Europe.
Our talks earlier today have put in place a roadmap for further strengthening our economic cooperation and intensification of our collaborations in all areas. Your scheduled visit to India this year will further enhance this vibrant and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Next year, India and ASEAN will mark the 25th anniversary of their Dialogue Relations. We look forward to working with you under the framework of ASEAN. We shall strive to strengthen the India-ASEAN partnership, as also the BIMSTEC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.
Excellency,
The challenges of this century have been enormous and merits common understanding and joint efforts. Globalization of terrorism, impact of climate change on humanity and the health hazards which know no borders require global action. The international community is grappling with issues related to migration and integration of people.
Our cultures with a civilizational heritage of peace, pluralism and co-existence in can offer lessons and lasting solutions.
I thank you once again, Excellency, for the strong support extended by you personally and your government for strengthening our relationship. We look forward to the pleasure of receiving you in New Delhi.
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to join me in raising a toast:
• to the good health and well-being of Their Majesties the King and the Queen
• to the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Thailand, and
• to the eternal bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.
Thank You."
Mrs. Naraporn Chan-o-cha, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
My wife and I are delighted to be here in the dynamic city of Bangkok, the capital of this beautiful land. I thank Your Excellency for your gracious words, the warm welcome, the generous hospitality and the friendship of your people.
Excellency,
More than one million Indian tourists who visit the 'Land of Smiles' every year see the indelible imprint of our shared heritage - epitomized by the timeless message of Lord Buddha and the shared lore of the Ramayana.
India and Thailand are natural partners, linked by history, geography and the close contacts between our two peoples. My visit, the first at by an Indian Vice-President in 56 years, is a manifestation of the desire we have to deepen the flow of ideas, people to people contacts and bilateral trade between our lands.
My visit is taking place at a time when our bilateral relations can be described as excellent. We greatly appreciate the role of His Majesty the King in nurturing these relations; just as the idea of Buddhism, though germinating in India, has been nurtured in this land. We appreciate your Government's commitment to imparting greater momentum to the relations between our two countries.
Excellency,
Tomorrow, I will speak about India's ‘Act East’ Policy at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University. Thailand is an important pillar of this policy and a valued partner. We admire the way Thailand has brought progress to its industrious people by making great strides in socio economic development.
Our cooperation, both bilaterally and in the ASEAN rubric, encompasses diverse areas of mutual interest including Trade and Investment, Science and Technology, Education, and Cultural Exchanges. People-to-people contacts at various levels are the lifeblood of our friendship. I am pleased that our two countries have taken important steps in the pursuit of closer cooperation, stronger connectivity and greater commerce.
As maritime neighbours, we have a shared interest in the security of international sea lanes of communication and commerce. Our resolve to strengthen our bilateral engagement in the areas of security and defence will help the region as a whole and promote greater regional economic integration and connectivity.
We are both engaged in transforming our ancient lands in to modern knowledge economies. India is a bright spot with the highest economic growth amongst the larger emerging countries. There is growing interest from across the world in building partnerships of trade, investment and innovation with India. I would urge the government and business community in Thailand to avail of the opportunities provided by a growing India.
Excellency,
I see a very promising future for our bilateral relations. There is much untapped potential in our relationship and much to rediscover and learn from each other's culture, industry and society. With its unique geographic location, Thailand can be a bridge linking South East Asia to East Asia; while India can act as your springboard to West and Central Asia and to Europe.
Our talks earlier today have put in place a roadmap for further strengthening our economic cooperation and intensification of our collaborations in all areas. Your scheduled visit to India this year will further enhance this vibrant and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Next year, India and ASEAN will mark the 25th anniversary of their Dialogue Relations. We look forward to working with you under the framework of ASEAN. We shall strive to strengthen the India-ASEAN partnership, as also the BIMSTEC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.
Excellency,
The challenges of this century have been enormous and merits common understanding and joint efforts. Globalization of terrorism, impact of climate change on humanity and the health hazards which know no borders require global action. The international community is grappling with issues related to migration and integration of people.
Our cultures with a civilizational heritage of peace, pluralism and co-existence in can offer lessons and lasting solutions.
I thank you once again, Excellency, for the strong support extended by you personally and your government for strengthening our relationship. We look forward to the pleasure of receiving you in New Delhi.
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to join me in raising a toast:
• to the good health and well-being of Their Majesties the King and the Queen
• to the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Thailand, and
• to the eternal bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.
Thank You."
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