‘India to ink partnership document with Asean’

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that India attaches ‘‘high priority’’ to improving ties with ASEAN countries, and a long-term partnership document would be signed at the third India-ASEAN summit.

‘‘We expect to conclude a long-term partnership document between India and ASEAN during this summit. This document is an outcome of discussions between the governments, he said in a statement before leaving for Vientiane, Laos, for the summit today. ‘‘It is significant that other stakeholders, outside governments, have also participated in the process of developing this partnership document,’’ he added.

‘‘This inclusive approach shall give added momentum (to relations) between India and ASEAN,’’ the PM said.