India, ASEAN are 'natural partners': PM Modi

Pitching for major economic reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called India and ASEAN 'natural partners', whose relationship goes back to 'ancient times'.

"I congratulate you for this achievement. I also congratulate you on the creation of one ASEAN community which are going to sign up tomorrow. India and ASEAN are natural partners. Our ties date back to ancient times," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora at the hotel Shangri La's ball room here.

"I have been saying that the 21st century belongs to Asia. I say this because of the track record of ASEAN countries. I feel honoured to address this privilege gathering of the elders who have transformed South East Asia into one of the most dynamic region of the world," he added.

Prime Minister Modi arrived here early morning to attend the 10th ASEAN-India Summit and 13th East Asia Summit, besides holding bilateral meetings with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak.