Sonowal Stresses on Cross-Border Connectivity between India, ASEAN Nations

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal underlined the importance of cross-border connectivity among India and developing nations of South-East Asia. Addressing the ASEAN summit on Future of India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships virtually from New Delhi, the minister said, greater connectivity between ASEAN nations has long been both an economic and strategic objective for the ASEAN-India partnership.He said that connectivity provides the transmission channels through which development impulses can spread across the region and can add to the dynamism of economic and social progress.He also added that India-ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) is central to India's growing engagement with her eastern neighbours.