Ministry of External Affairs secretary Anil Wadhwa, who is the foreign ministry in-charge of Malaysia and Singapore, feels that strong statement can be expected on the issue of terrorism when state leaders meet for the East Asia summit.
Speaking to CNN-IBN ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia and Singapore, Wadhwa said that all countries, including India, were under the threat of terrorist groups like ISIS and that it was essential for them to come together and forge an alliance.
Here's the full interview:
What are the key focus areas?
In East Asia summit there are 7 or 8 focus areas this time such as Maritime cooperation, document on global movement of moderates, violent extremism, Regional Cooperation and Economic Partnership.
Can we expect strongly worded statements on ISIS and terror?
I would expect strong statements on terror. In all summits after Paris attacks, the ISIS has figured prominently. There is a strong movement to conclude the global convention on international terrorism and make the UN enforce it.
How big is the ISIS threat to India?
All countries are under threat of ISIS and extremist forces. It is essential for everyone to come together and forge an alliance. No one can do it alone.
Boosting connectivity is very important. Immediate deliverables?
I think we have done a lot on connectivity with ASEAN. We have been working on a trilateral highway with Myanmar to connect north east to Thailand. We want to take it to Laos and Cambodia. Allow us to become a part of the ASEAN master plan. We are working on a lot of projects in Myanmar. Most important is the Kaladan road project. Road links between Mizoram and Myanmar are being worked on.
What can we expect in terms of maritime security and cyber security?
We can expect a declaration on cyber security in the East Asia summit. It's basically about information sharing. You can develop a good defence only if you have a good information sharing system.
There will be a declaration on maritime cooperation and development of ports and a blue economy
The government's reform agenda has been stalled. When you meet investors will the government address this?
Wherever PM goes he talks about the ease of doing business. We have done a lot. We will encourage more ASEAN investments in India.
Will the South China Sea issue figure prominently?
This is being discussed for the last few years. Most important is to remain cool calm and collected and solve all disputes peacefully. Region should remain stable. Lines of communication should be smooth there should be no hindrance to trade. All matters should be solved as per international laws. Code of conduct is being discussed with China. We hope to conclude it soon.
Any announcements for the Indian community?
We will urge the Indian community to help the growth story in India and contribute in their own way.
Can we expect a meeting with Obama and Putin?
We will know about it only by tomorrow. His bilateral meetings are still being discussed.
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