We have to confront terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee

The Indian premier was speaking in Singapore before heading on to Cambodia.

India and the Asean countries are due to hold their first summit in November this year to boost economic and political co-operation.

Addressing diplomats, academics and senior government officials during a public lecture in Singapore, Mr Vajpayee urged closer regional co-operation against terrorism.

"We have to confront terrorism, which neither respects power, nor heeds size," he said.

"We have crucial stakes in protecting our common commercial sea lanes, combating piracy, choking off narco-trade and curbing gun-running."

Mr Vajpayee arrived in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on Tuesday, the first prime minister to visit since 1954.

He was due to hold talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during which they were expected to sign agreements on launching direct flights between India and Cambodia, easing visa regulations for diplomats, and Indian assistance to repair an ancient Cambodian temple.

Mr Vajpayee was due to meet King Norodom Sihanouk on Wednesday, before leaving for northern Cambodia to visit the Angkor Wat temples.

Trade pact

Two-way trade between India and Asean currently stands at $8.5bn.

On Monday, India and Singapore agreed to look into setting up an economic partnership that would provide a strong footing for Indian companies in the Asean region, as well as encourage Singapore companies to invest in India.

Mr Vajpayee met his Singaporean counterpart, Goh Chok Tong, and signed an agreement to promote investment in telecommunications and encourage joint ventures.

Mr Vajpayee said the two countries will look at developing co-operation in areas such as bio-technology, information technology and aerospace.

Singapore is India's largest trading partner in the Asean group of countries, with commerce worth about 3.8bn.