A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is slated to be formally signed by India and the leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS) for revival of the ancient centre of learning, Nalanda University, which is slated to begin its academic programmes next year.

The Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who left for Brunei here on Wednesday to attend the 11th ASEAN-India Summit on October 10, said : “The Summit in Brunei will be the first since the elevation of our relations with the ASEAN to a Strategic Partnership at the special Commemorative Summit in New Delhi.”

The 11th ASEAN-India Summit is being held against the backdrop of ASEAN integration towards an ASEAN Community by 2015. ASEAN bloc consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Dr Singh will also attend the 8th East Asia Summit at Brunei and have bilateral discussions with EAS leaders. The leaders are likely to adopt the Declaration of the 8th East Asia Summit on Food Security.

Freedom of navigation and other maritime rights in South China Sea as per international law will also be discussed at EAS and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
EAS consists of leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and US.

The Indian Prime Minister will meet the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and discuss matters relating to accelerating negotiations between the two countries on civil nuclear cooperation and supply of uranium to India. Already two rounds of negotiations on this issue have been held and the third round is expected by December.

Dr Singh will proceed to Indonesia for a two-day official visit on an invitation from President Yudhoyono. There will also be talks on opening of Batik Air for opening direct air services between India and Indonesia. An Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons is likely to be signed between the two countries.

Trade is another important aspect which is likely to figure in the discussions at ASEAN-India Summit and EAS. India is in the process of setting up of a separate ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre.

“India sees the East Asia Summit as a springboard to regional cooperation and integration and is participating in the negotiations for a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership among the ASEAN and its FTA partners, which will help create an economic community in the region,” Dr Singh said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was launched at December 2012 EAS. The RCEP consists of 10 ASEAN countries plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The RCEP negotiations have begun with the first round held in in Brisbane in September, this year.

Connectivity with ASEAN nations is very important for India. India is working on several projects , the most important of them being the trilateral highway project which involves India, Myanmar and Thailand. The 160 kilometres of Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo road of the trilateral highway project is almost complete. Work has begun on other 120 kilometres in Kalewa-Yargi sector, and the repair of 71 bridges on TKK road. The request for proposal for appointment of consultant to prepare feasibility study on Kalewa-Yargi sector has already been issued, and approval has been taken for tender for 71 bridges. India has begun a dialogue with ASEAN Connectivity Coordination Committee (ACCC) and the first round took place in June, this year.

Regarding air connectivity, India has air services agreements with most of the ASEAN countries, which are fairly comprehensive. Under an agreement there are 18 additional points. And these are absolutely open, and the services can be open within these 18 points. The focus of these 18 points has been on the secondary stations as well as the North East because for India it is very important to link its northeastern to the ASEAN.