External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Singapore on Saturday after holding talks with ASEAN Secretary General Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta, as India steps up efforts to strengthen engagements with the countries of the region under its ‘Act East’ policy.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in Singapore for the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. pic.twitter.com/340pDM5MeP

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

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The ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Swaraj also interacted with Indian diaspora in Jakarta during an event organised in her honor.

Connecting with the Indian diaspora, EAM @SushmaSwaraj addressing the Indian Community at a Reception held in her honour in Jakarta. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/pp3BKdyxlV

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

“Taking ASEAN-India relationship in the commemorative year! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Mr. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General, ASEAN and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. #ActEastPolicy,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Taking ASEAN-India relationship in the commemorative year! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Mr. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General, ASEAN and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/CRDqfe3zcF

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

Swaraj, who arrived here from Thailand on the second leg of her three-nation tour, also inaugurated the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank.

“In the run up to the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit, an important event in Jakarta today, EAM @SushmaSwaraj inaugurates the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank. In attendance are FM of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, Secretary Gen of ASEAN and DG RIS,” Kumar tweeted.

In the run up to the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit, an important event in Jakarta today, EAM @SushmaSwaraj inaugurates the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank. In attendance are FM of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, Secretary Gen of ASEAN and DG RIS. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/jd27H7BmCd

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

Stating that both India and ASEAN shared a common vision for global commerce and maritime domain, Sushma Swaraj said that New Delhi looked forward to working closely with the regional bloc in a range of activities like developing a Blue Economy, coastal surveillance, building off- shore patrolling capabilities, hydrographic services, and information sharing for increased maritime domain awareness.

She also said that deeper economic integration with the Asean region was an important aspect of India’s Act East Policy.

“Asean is India’s fourth largest trading partner, accounting for 10.2 per cent of India’s total trade,” she stated. “India is Asean’s seventh largest trading partner. Trade is back on track and registered an 8 per cent increase in 2016-17, as compared to the previous year.”

Pointing out that investment flows have remained robust, Sushma Swaraj said that there have been continuous efforts to promote dialogue among Asean and Indian business and trade associations, to further enhance bilateral trade and investment.

“The establishment of a Project Development Fund will encourage Indian companies to develop manufacturing hubs in CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam) countries,” she stated.

“Our offer of a $1 billion line of credit is another important initiative to enhance physical and digital connectivity.”

New Delhi will host a commemorative summit on January 25 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership between India and the ASEAN in which all the leaders of the grouping are expected to participate.