east asia

Malaysia will host the 47th Asean Summit and East Asia Summit from October 26 to 28, bringing together leaders from across Southeast Asia and key dialogue partners. Against the backdrop of geopolitical turbulence unleashed by trade wars, the leaders of the region will discuss ways to discuss regional cooperation, boosting economic growth and current security challenges. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend in person but address ASEAN leaders virtually in which he will underscore New Delhi’s commitment to stronger ties with the 11-nation bloc and highlight the imperative to shape a balanced regional and world order. In this conversation with Manish Chand, CEO, Centre for Global India Insights and India Writes Network, Amb. (Retd.) Anil Wadhwa, former secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs speaks about India’s key priorities and interests vis-à-vis the ASEAN and related summits in Kuala Lumpur. Amb. Wadhwa, who served as India’s ambassador to Thailand, Italy and Oman, also highlights ways to enhance economic and strategic partnership between India and ASEAN. (Excerpts from the interview)