Question : Shipping Network in Indo-ASEAN Region

(a) whether ASEAN and India have agreed to establish a maritime transport
working group amongst India, Myanmar,Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam to examine the feasibility of shipping networks;
(b) if so, the details and the objectives thereof along with the reaction of the other
countries thereto;
(c) whether any agreement is being considered with the ASEAN countries in this regard, if so, the details and the present status thereof;
(d) the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon and the details of the fund set up in this regard;
(e) the manner in which the working group will work; and
(f) the extent to which it will help in development of maritime transport of the country?

a)&(b): No, Madam;
(c) Association of South East Asian Nations Maritime Transport Working Group (ASEAN-MTWG) is the apex body to deliberate on issues relating to maritime sector, within ASEAN and with its Dialogue Partners, including India. A proposal from the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India for signing of an Agreement on Maritime Transport between India and ASEAN was inter-alia deliberated in the 34th Session of ASEAN-MTWG Meeting held in Philippines on 19-21 September, 2016 which was attended by India in the capacity of Dialogue Partner. ASEAN-MTWG has not conveyed their acceptance to the text of the Agreement proposed by India so far.
(d) There is no financial implication.
(e) Does not arise as no maritime transport working group exists with ASEAN.
(f) Once operational, the Agreement / MoU with ASEAN may pave way for establishment of direct shipping services between India and the ASEAN countries, and encourage shipping companies to enter into bilateral and multilateral arrangements for sustainable trading activities etc., thereby benefiting the development of maritime sector and growth in trade and commerce.
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