External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said India and ASEAN have consciously striven to step up cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber security, anti-piracy and other transnational crimes.
Addressing a function in New Delhi, Mrs Swaraj said, combating drug abuse and drug trafficking remains a major challenge in the region.
She said India has been working with ASEAN towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasizing the peaceful solutions to emerging challenges.
She said, efforts are on to enhance physical and digital connectivity with ASEAN countries to boost trade.
Saying that economic partnership between India and ASEAN is deepening day by day, the Minister said, ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner, accounting for ten per cent of total trade.
India is ASEAN’s 7th largest trading partner. She said, enhancing maritime cooperation and security has been area of focus for both ASEAN and India.
