The ASEAN rally

The 20-day event was aimed at boosting greater cooperation between India and ASEAN states.

In flagging off the first India-Asean car rally from Guwahati on November 19, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also opened up Northeast India as the gateway to member states of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was not a mere car rally but an event that showcased India’s land connectivity with the 10-member ASEAN block. The 20-day event was aimed at boosting greater cooperation between India and ASEAN states.

The 8230 km rally that started from Guwahati culminated at Batam in Indonesia. The opening of the land route gives India a greater access to ASEAN countries and vice-versa. That land route is precursor to the success of the commitment of India and ASEAN to move towards a Free Trade regime in a few years from now.

It was former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao who gave a new impetus to India’s ‘Look East’ policy in 1991. Ever since India has been making the right gesture towards the ASEAN member block and strengthening its political, economic and cultural ties with these countries.
- Prakash Pillai