India proposes setting up major projects with Asean

Mumbai: India has proposed to consider setting up flagship projects jointly with Asean to bridge the development gap between less developed and other members of the grouping. The two sides would consider joint flagship projects that would capitalise on the complementary strengths of India and Asean.

The Initiative for Asean Integration (IAI), aimed at assisting the less developed members of the Asean - Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam (CMLV) - and intensify efforts to bolster cooperation in diversified areas.

The announcement was made at the ministerial meet co-chaired by external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirajuda.

The Asean ministers emphasised the potential for further expansion of cooperation, given the strengths of the Indian economy and expertise in scientific and technological fields, including IT, Indian officials pointed out.

The ministerial meeting also reviewed and discussed its future direction of India-Asean relations, the officials said. Prime minister Manmohan Singh will arrive to attend the India-Asean Summit on Sunday.