October 19, 2026 05:20 pm (IST)
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USA commends India on its Look East policy
Kolkata, May 9 (IBNS): USA is all set to play the role of 'convener, partner and supplier' in the south Asia region, said Fatema Z. Sumar, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in her address “Shaping the Future of Trade and Connectivity in the Indo-Pacific†in a session organised jointly by Confederation of Indian Industry and US Consulate,Kolkata here on Thursday.
The statement gathers importance as India is expected to sign the long pending free trade agreement on services and investment with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations after the new government takes over.
Sumar expressed hope that the the trilateral highway project connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand slated to be operational by 2015 will further boost trade and security ties between India, and South and Southeast Asian countries.
"India has successfully leveraged its enhanced 'Look East' policy," said Sumar commending the development of Mekong-India Economic Corridor to link Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam with India.
Sumar said her government is for a strong Indo-Pacific Economic corridor for prosperity in the region.
US is eyeing the south and south-east Asia market for selling its technical expertise in the renewable energy, education and skills development and innovation.
Sumar reiterated her government's stand to partner with India to address challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region and create greater connect between businesses, people and civil societies.
(Reporting by Anuradha Dutta)
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