New Delhi, Jul 7 (IANS): Vietnam wants India to balance power and be part of the force that is trying to counter China, a Vietnamese expert has said.
Prof. Nguyen Thai Yen Huong, a Senior Research Fellow and Vice-President, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said this 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, according to an ORF release.
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.
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 members while the Asean nations should work towards constructive competition.
She noted that it is time for India to push for membership of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).
Jayant Prasad, Director General, IDSA and a former ambassador, said India must play role anchor 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 for connectivity through rails, air and waterways besides roads.
Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, Delhi Policy Group and a former ambassador, suggested creation of a common security paradigm by India and Asean.
Naina Lal Kidwai, former president of FICCI, impressed on the need to improve cooperation on maritime as it is important for business opportunities with respect to fisheries, defence, security, etc.
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, the ORF release said.
Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from both India and Asean countries 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.