ASEAN, India leaders vow to push forward economic partnership

India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders vowed Thursday to push forward the regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with six ASEAN leaders from Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei who have congregated in New Delhi for the ongoing ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.

"One repeated refrain during today's talks was that there is a desire on the part of the ASEAN countries to see RCEP moving forward, and our prime minister also mentioned a similar desire, and that a balanced outcome should come out of it. Modi reiterated his commitment to RCEP for an outcome for mutual benefit," said India's Secretary (East) Preeti Saran while briefing media persons.

All the 10 ASEAN leaders met Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Modi at the "Retreat" function held at the President's House, where the leaders discussed issues such as maritime cooperation, traditional and non-traditional challenges that all participating countries face, India's official sources said.

Source：Xinhua