Modi and US Vice-President discuss bilateral issues

Mr. Modi met U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence in Singapore on Wednesday on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit and the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and the need for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and a common vision for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, official sources said.

Mr. Pence will be representing President Donald Trump at the ASEAN and East Asia Summit in Singapore.

As strategic partners, India and ASEAN enjoy close trade and economic relations.

Trade between India and ASEAN stood at $81.33 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes 10.58% of India’s total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11.28% of India’s total exports.

India and the U.S. have explored ways to further deepen operational cooperation in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to spread its influence. China is ‘coercing’ its neighbors to reorder the Indo-Pacific region to its advantage as Beijing flexes its muscles in the East and South China Seas. India, the U.S. and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific.