Vietnam wants India to balance power and be part of the force that is trying to counter China.
The Vietnam position was articulated by Prof. Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, a Senior Research Fellow and Vice-President , Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, at the 'Concluding Plenary: Looking Ahead' of the Delhi Dialogue IX, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs along with Observer Research Foundation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce.
Prof. Huong said there is a need for both ASEAN and India to uphold the rule of law and make use of emerging regional powers. She said both sides must be a top priority for each other in their respective foreign policies.
Prof. Huong said India should look into the better implementation of its Act East Policy and also engage in more trade and investment with Vietnam and ASEAN while the ASEAN nations should work towards constructive competition.
She also noted that it is time for India to push for membership of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).
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Mr.Jayant Prasad, Director General, IDSA and a former ambassador, said India must play the role anchors for the communities in Asia Pacific while emphasising that equal importance needs to be paid to the geo-politics in Asia.
He also impressed upon the need to connectivity through rails, air and waterways besides roads.
Mr Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, Delhi Policy Group and a former ambassador, suggested creation of a common security paradigm by India and ASEAN.
He also emphasised on identifying and focussing on managing risks like climate change.
Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, former president of the FICCI, impressed on the need to improve cooperation on maritime as it is important for business opportunities with respect to fisheries, defence, security, etc.
She also stressed on the development of blue economy, besides saying entrepreneurs must be made aware of what they can do in business.
Mr George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, said India can be of real benefit to ASEAN nations in space industry, technology in trade, commerce and education, SMEs growth etc.
Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from both India and ASEAN participated in the discussions.
The 10-member Committee of Permanent Representatives of ASEAN countries and 15 senior media personnel from ASEAN are attending the event.
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