From New Delhi's perspective, a key reason for this is the progressive shift in the trade balance in favour of the ASEAN region, coupled with a simultaneous increase in investments from China into the 10-member bloc.

PM Modi today attended the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Laos. At the summit, PM Modi also announced a 10-point plan to strengthen ASEAN-India comprehensive partnership and asserted that ties with the regional grouping were critical for Asia's future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN comprehensive partnership and asserted that ties with the regional grouping were critical to guiding Asia's future.

Announcing a 10-point plan while underlining that dialogue and cooperation between India and ASEAN are of utmost importance at a time of conflict and tension in many parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday flagged “respect” for “each other’s national integrity and sovereignty” at the India-ASEAN leaders’ summit in Laos capital Vientiane.