India, Asean to strengthen air ties

Cebu(Philippines): India and the 10-nation Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) today agreed to commence a discussion on an “open skies” aviation policy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced this at the fifth India-Asean summit here today. No timeline or basic framework for the proposed policy, that envisages opening up mutual airspace for unrestricted civilian air traffic, has been set at the moment.
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had proposed an “open skies” policy with Asean at the second India-Asean summit in 2003.
The prime minister’s announcement is being seen as a move aimed at retaining an upper hand in the talks for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). Indian government officials indicated that talks on the “open skies” policy will dovetail with the FTA negotiations, which are likely to be concluded by July.
15/01/07 Siddharth Zarabi/Business Standard

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