China’s economic progress is welcomed, with every ASEAN nation keen to derive optimal benefit from it. But Beijing’s assertive diplomacy, strategic postures and coercive action in the South China Sea have combined to sour the environment. This mix has impelled ASEAN states to expect and encourage India to enhance its role as a balancer in the region. For India, ASEAN is of vital importance both for strategic and economic considerations. Consensus emerged on elevating the existing — rather limited — trade and economic cooperation to a higher level.

Source: The Hindu January 31, 2018 00:22 UTC