New Delhi, Sept 04: Warning that the principal threat to peace and stability was from trans-national terrorism, India today called upon Asean countries to enhance cooperation in the field of security to facilitate lasting economic ties. "Today, the principal threats to peace and stability in the world are not from wars between nations but from the threat of trans-national terrorism," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said while addressing the second India-Asean business summit here.

Underpinning the importance of working jointly for intensifying economic and other ties, Sinha stressed that "India and Asean should not lose sight of the overarching importance of working purposefully and in cooperation to combat the menace of terrorism". Sinha said the recent incidents of bombing in Jakarta and in Mumbai last week "are a reminder to us that we all have to stand united in our war against the spreading tentacles of terrorism".

Asean ministers noted that India has emerged as one of the most vibrant economies of developing countries with a huge market that could be tapped.

The Asean representatives also candidly admitted that the emergence of India and China as major players have had a profound impact on South East Asia. Bureau Report