(a) whether the US, Russia and China are backing India`s efforts to become a member in the expanded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits that would accrue to India in that scenario;
(c) the efforts made during the last one year by our country to acquire a berth in APEC; and
(d) the names of countries who that are in favour of India`s endeavour?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a) & (b) As per the India-US Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Region of January 25, 2015 issued during the visit of US President Barack Obama to India, the United States has welcomed India`s interest in joining the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. In the Joint Communiqué issued by the Foreign Ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) on 2 February 2015, Russia and China acknowledged India`s important role in driving global economic growth, and supporting the openness of APEC, stated they would welcome India’s participation in APEC.
(c) & (d) India had made an application for membership of APEC in 1991. However, a moratorium on expansion in APEC membership was put in place in 1997, which continues informally. Decision on APEC membership is taken by consensus of member countries. India`s position has been to wait for consensus to emerge within APEC.