In Vientiane, energy, farm technology find mention

With India now an emerging powerhouse and Indonesia trying to get its economy back on track, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wanted economic cooperation to move into higher gear. But he also asked Singh if the two countries could work together on maritime security and joint patrols, said National Security Adviser J.N. Dixit.

Singh agreed, but perhaps aware that security issues were becoming somewhat touchy in South-East Asia, he said this could become a multilateral arrangement.

Singh also met the Prime Ministers of Laos and Vietnam. Again, talks centred on issues such as agricultural technology and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Vietnam, too, offered to back India’s Security Council quest. The Prime Minister was obviously touched to meet Indians who have been in Vientiane for 40 years or so.