Over the years we have seen some actors going out of their way and exploring their talents by trying something new. Be it actors, singers, choreographers; the fans have accepted them in the same profession for years. But here are the list of few personalities who have gone out of their comfort zone to try something new and succeeded.

Karan Johar

Is there anything this man can’t do? A famous chat show host (Koffee with Karan), a successful producer (Dharma Productions) and actor (Bombay Velvet). He is referred as the ‘Unsuitable Boy’ after launching his much awaited autobiography. Johar was applauded as a writer, but he isn’t known to be someone who is monotonous with his work. When the year was just about to end, Johar has yet again shocked everyone by becoming an RJ!

His show ‘Calling Karan’ on Ishq 104.8 FM has now become a source of entertainment for all his friends. In the show he is heard to be giving relationship advise to his listeners and guiding them on the right path. Well you talk about versatality here is one of your top pick.

Konkana Sen Sharma

An acclaimed actress, who is known for her versatility and power packed performances in films like Lipstick under my Burkha, Page 3 and Life in a Metro, she has left no stone unturned to impress her fans. Taking her passion for cinema ahead she had donned the hat of a director in the past with an unconventional film Death in the Gunj. The much awaited film received a lot of appreciation from audience. Konkana was also applauded for her vision towards the film that has gone on receiving many awards.

RJ Malishka

The glorious radio jockey has made a mark for herself in the radio industry. She is every celebrity’s favourite with her witty interviews. She is all over the internet with her ‘sonu song’. Last year we had seen her dancing in the famous show Jhalak Dikhla Ja. From a renowned RJ to dancing her journey has been impressive. From training Vidhya Balan for her role in Lagey Raho Munna Bhai to debuting as an actor with Tumhari Sullu alongside Vidhya Balan, she has come a long way. No one can doubt her talent, she has gone ahead and won hearts of a lot of people.

Sonali Bendre

The age less diva, who is known for her stellar performances in the show biz industry ruled the box office for several years, but wait there’s more to her than just being an actor. Sonali has always been a voracious reader. She has become an author by penning her thoughts on the modern parenting, which resulted in widespread acclaim by the audience. Taking her passion for reading forward she now has started a book club on Facebook that encourages readers across the globe.

Anu Malik

Considered as one of the most iconic music composer Anu Malik ruled the era of 90s with his music and voice. His songs has been still going strong in Bollywood. However, he seems to have taken on the role of RJ quite seriously. After hosting BIG Radio Reel Countdown on 92.7 BIG FM he is back on the radio station with a new show ‘The 90’s show with Anu Malik’. Looks like he loves to spread the charm of his voice and quirky anecdotes through different mediums and keep the audiences hooked.

Jose Mourinho intensified his war of words with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in bizarre fashion after his team’s FA Cup victory over Derby yesterday, apparently referencing a match-fixing scandal in Italy.

The Manchester United manager was responding to comments made by Conte earlier in the day in which he appeared to make disparaging statements about Mourinho.

The Italian was even interpreted as suggesting that the United manager may be suffering from “dementia” after Mourinho had made a reference, 24 hours earlier, to his own behaviour and the fact that he no longer acts “like a clown”.

Initially, Mourinho appeared to be backing Conte following the furore caused by his words on Thursday — only then to make the reference to match-fixing.

“I was asked about my passion and, you know, I was speaking about myself and then the question to the Chelsea manager was that I said he behaved like a clown,” said Mourinho.

“Probably the journalist wanted to say that but didn’t have the courage so he said ‘Mourinho said you behaved like a clown’.

“I don’t blame the Chelsea manager at all and I understand his reaction. I was speaking about myself, saying I don’t need to behave like a clown to show passion.”

Mourinho referred to his managerial antics earlier in his career and said he had not lost his passion.

“I celebrated goals running 50 metres, I celebrated goals sliding on my knees, celebrations jumping in the crowd. I’m not free of that, especially if we score a winning goal in a specific moment I am not free to have an out-of-control reaction.

“What I was trying to say that I behave bad a few times and this moment I control myself better. It doesn’t mean my passion is not the same. So wrong question and obviously a strong answer and I don’t blame.”

The United boss — no stranger to controversy — then changed tack and referenced match-fixing.

“What has never happened to me and will never happen is to be suspended for match-fixing. That never happened to me and it will never happen.”

Match-fixing

The surprising reference to “match-fixing” drew a follow-up question as to whether it was directly aimed at Conte.

The Chelsea boss was acquitted of sporting fraud charges in 2016. Prosecutors had requested a six-month suspended sentence following accusations he failed to report episodes of match-fixing while in charge at Serie B side Siena in 2011.

The former Italy manager — who has always denied any wrongdoing — served a four-month ban in relation to the affair in 2012.

But when mention was made of the accusations against Conte, Mourinho said: “Did he? Not me.”

Mourinho’s reference to that controversy was just the latest twist in a verbal spat between the managers that seemed to have reached a climax earlier in the day when Conte was quizzed by reporters.

The most contentious of Conte’s comments came when he used an Italian expression, “demenza senile” — senile dementia.

“I think he (Mourinho) has to see himself in the past, maybe he was speaking about himself in the past, yeah?” said Conte.

“Maybe sometimes, someone forgets what they said or his behaviour and sometimes I think there is, I don’t know the name, ‘demenza senile’, when you are a bit…”

Conte tapped his temple as he spoke, and was asked to clarify his comment. “It is like amnesia, when you can’t remember things,” he said.

Chelsea later tried to distance Conte from claims he had suggested his rival has dementia, saying he simply meant amnesia.

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to form a policy, or amend existing laws to ensure that warrants and summons are served expeditiously to accused and witnesses.

A bench of Justices S C Dharamadhikari and Bharati Dangre was hearing a PIL claiming that the issue of a large number of pending summons and warrants, especially in cases of cheque bounce, was delaying hearings.

In a previous hearing in September 2016, the petitioner had also submitted data to show that “almost 80 per cent cases of cheque bounce under the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act were pending at the stage of service of summons”.

At the time, the court had directed the Maharashtra government to take immediate steps to ensure that summons were served expeditiously.

On the last hearing yesterday, however, the bench noted that since the September 2016 hearing, the Maharashtra government had done “little” to comply with the Court’s order.

The state’s counsel, advocate JP Yagnik informed the bench that a special drive had been conducted recently to execute pending warrants and summons, and that the state had also decided to send summons in NI Act cases through the registered post of the Indian postal service since the police machinery was already “overburdened”.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki survived an early scare to join Julia Goerges in the WTA Auckland Classic final after an exhausting Saturday involving the quarter and semi-finals.

While second-seed Goerges progressed comfortably, winning both her matches in straight sets, Wozniacki found heself a set down in her quarter-final against 19-year-old American Sofia Kenin.

But she regrouped to beat Kenin 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 then overcame another patchy start to beat Sachia Vickery 6-4, 6-4 in the semis.

“I’m exhausted,” the 27-year-old Wozniacki said after spending a total of nearly five hours on court.

“It’s a tough start to the season coming out here and playing three sets this morning and then two tough sets now. I’m not 17 any more, I can feel that for sure.”

The incessant rain that washed out play on the previous two days abated to occasional showers that left enough time to allow the two rounds to be completed.

The third seed, Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic, and the fourth seed, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, were both beaten in the quarter but their victors, Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei and Vickery progressed no further.

Wozniacki started her semi-final against Vickery with two aces then raced to a 5-1 lead before twice dropping her serve.

The Dane recovered to win the opening set but needed nearly 11 minutes to win her second service game en route to beating the American qualifier.

Goerges, who defeated Polona Hercog 6-4, 6-4 then Hsieh 6-1, 6-4, is through to her second Auckland final after finishing runner-up two years ago.

“When you are in a final you want to win it and it would mean a lot to me,” she said.

“Since I have been coming nine times already so maybe it’s time for it.”

The world number 14 from Germany said it had been mentally tough to play two matches in a day but she was in good physical condition.

“In doubles you have someone to talk to and here you have just yourself,” she said.

“I don’t know if it’s sometimes so nice to talk to yourself. In general, I’m feeling good.”

Sunday’s final will be the 10th meeting between Goerges and Wozniacki with the German holding a 5-4 lead.

Spanish motorcyclist Laia Sanz, one of only 14 women competing in the motorbike category of the 2018 Dakar Rally feels that the process of expanding female participation in the event will be a gradual one.

Sanz, 32, reflected on the presence of women in the event as she prepared to ride in her 8th Dakar, where female competitors will make up only 10 percent of the 140-strong field in the motorbike race, reports Efe.

“We need a few years to see more women in the Dakar,” she told Efe.

“We need to wait for them to develop and to have the support to participate in the rally.”

The 13-time Women’s Trial World Champion rider holds the distinction of achieving the highest-ever finish for a female competitor in the Dakar: 9th place overall in the motorbike class in the 2015 edition of the event.

The Spanish rider has also reached the finish line in all seven of her previous appearances in the Dakar.

While she considers finishing in the top-15 overall a “realistic” goal for this year’s race, Sanz said she’s hoping to reach to the top 10 for a second time.

“I come here encouraged because I have experience, which is always good in a race of this kind and especially this year, which will be a very tough year,” she said.

The course for the 2018 Dakar Rally extends nearly 9,000 kilometers (5,600 miles) from Lima to the Argentine city of Cordoba.

This year’s 40th anniversary race marks a decade since the event was moved from Africa to South America due to security concerns.

Hundreds of brave swimmers challenged freezing temperatures on Saturday to compete in China’s Harbin Ice Swimming contest.

With the morning temperature hovering around minus 20 degrees Celsius, locals and tourits were out to withstand the extreme cold, reports Efe news.

Armed with nothing but their swimming trunks, caps, and goggles, up to 600 contestants took to the freezing waters of the Songhua River.

The contest is part of the 34th annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which opened to the public on Friday.

The festival is one of China’s most popular tourist attractions during the winter months.

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province that borders Russia, each winter welcomes more than 1 million tourists for the festival.

The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh faced an embarrassing situation on Saturday as quintals of potatoes were thrown by the farmers in front of the Vidhan Sabha building and outside Chief Minister’s residence.

The VIP and high-security zone in front of the state assembly building was strewn with potatoes in the morning.

The scene was similar outside Raj Bhawan which houses Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and his family and outside the 5, Kalidas Marg high-security residence of Chief Minister Adityanath.

The development sent the district administration and security officials in a tizzy as the act was carried out in high-security zones.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lucknow Deepak Kumar said the vehicles of the farmers, who were involved in throwing potatoes have been identified and that they would be acted upon.

Farmers, however, said they have not done anything wrong as this was a symbolic protest against the government and its policies.

Farmers are angry at their crops being wasted and said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is doing nothing to arrest the decay.

“We are getting Rs 3-4 per quintal from the ‘mandis’ while we want Rs 10 per quintal. What else do we do when our pleas are falling on deaf ears,” a farmer told IANS.

Harnam Singh Verma, a leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said that the farmers were not getting adequate price for their harvest, they do not know where to keep it and accused the state government of not fulfilling its promises.

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, however, denied the allegations and said the present state government was committed to the welfare of the farmers, especially potato growers.

“This appears to be some political conspiracy to defame the Yogi government,” he alleged.

He told IANS the potato thrown on the roads were of poor quality.

The FBI is investigating whether the Clinton Foundation engaged in any pay-to-play politics when Hillary Clinton was the secretary of state in the first term of the Obama administration, media reports have said.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for an investigation into Clinton, her aides and the foundation.

During the presidential campaign, Trump branded his rival “Crooked Hillary” and promised to send her to jail if he won.

He briefly struck a more magnanimous tone after the election and said he had no interest in pushing for a prosecution.

The FBI agents are now “trying to determine if any donations made to the foundation were linked to official acts when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013,” The Washington Post reported citing unnamed sources.

“The people did not identify what specific donations or interactions agents are scrutinising,” the daily said.

According to The Hill, which first reported about it, the FBI agents from Little Rock, Arkansas, where the foundation was started, have taken the lead in the investigation and have interviewed at least one witness in the last month.

Established in 1997 by the former US president Bill Clinton, the Clinton Foundation has so far raised an estimated USD 2 billion from American and foreign corporations, foreign governments and individuals.

Funds are used for humanitarian programmes across the globe. Several of the donors are companies and individuals from India.

During the election campaign, Trump had accused the Clinton Foundation of pay-to-play politics.

The FBI is also looking into whether the Clinton Foundation violated tax laws. The Foundation has denied the allegations.

“Time after time, the Clinton Foundation has been subjected to politically motivated allegations, and time after time these allegations have been proven false. None of this has made us waver in our mission to help people,” said Clinton Foundation spokesman Craig Minassian.

Nick Merrill, a spokesperson of Hillary, alleged that the goal of such an FBI investigation is to distract from the indictments, guilty pleas, and accusations of treason from Trump’s own people at the expense of our justice system’s integrity.

“It’s disgraceful, and should be concerning to all Americans,” he alleged.

Daily Beast said the FBI is also reviewing Clinton’s use of private email server when she was Secretary of State.

English Premier League (EPL) club Everton has signed Turkey international Cenk Tosun in a deal worth $36.6 million.

The signing was confirmed by the club as it met city rivals Liverpool in a crucial FA cup clash at Anfield, reports Xinhua news agency.

Tosun, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Everton, was described by the club’s manager Sam Allardyce as the best in Europe at that price.

“This lad looks like he is strong mentally and has a good pedigree,” said Allardyce.

Tosun, who has joined Everton from Besiktas, and has been capped 25 times for his country, said he is eager to be involved in Everton’s next EPL game, against London club Tottenham on January 13.

In an interview with EvertonTV, Tosun said: “It feels great to be an Everton player. I’m really happy to be here and happy that everything is done. I’m really excited to play for Everton as soon as possible. Everton is a great club with a big history and a big culture and I’m looking forward to showing the fans the kind of player I am.”

Allardyce described the signing, his first as Everton manager, as a massive boost for the club.

“He is Turkey’s number one striker and has scored goals in the Champions League and the Turkish League. I don’t think you can look any more than we have done and, for the price, this is the best in Europe at the moment,” said the manager.

Sun exposure is almost inevitable for everyone. If you’re an outdoor freak, your skin is more prone to get affected by harmful ultra violet radiation of sun. Protect your skin from dreaded sunburn before going outdoors. Besides a variety of cosmetic sunscreens available in supplies, many foods may improve your skin’s UV resistance from deep inside naturally. Make them a part of your daily diet and enjoy the best way to protect your skin from sunburn and other perilous side effects of prolonged exposure to ultra violet rays. These foods act as a natural sunblock in the form of food.

Foods rich in vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe rich in vitamin A may help promote regeneration of cells damaged by harsh sun. Boiled or baked sweet potatoes, raw carrots and cantaloupe in any form are good to have daily to enjoy a flawless skin free from sun damage.

Beta carotene rich foods: These foods have natural sunscreen properties. They may protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the intensity of sunburn. Beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables like mustard greens, turnip greens, spinach, kale, cabbage, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots, papaya, mango and squash can help repair sun harm.

Foods rich in ellagic acid: Eat pomegranate fruit or drink its juice as it contains high levels of ellagic acid. It increases the skin’s resistance to UV rays by up to 20 percent.

Selenium rich mushrooms: Being rich in selenium mineral, mushrooms help in production of free radicals by skin cells when exposed to sun’s UV radiations. Mushroom can be called a free radical warrior. Eat it steamed or baked adding healthy spices and herbs.

Vitamin E rich nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and avocado are laden with vitamin E. Vitamin E helps in protection of skin from sun damage. Eat a handful of almonds as a snack between two meals or sprinkle these seeds on your salads or fat-free yogurt. Eat avocados to gain the most from vitamin E content when it comes to skin protection from UV rays.

Polyphenols and antioxidants rich green tea: Add fresh lemon juice to green tea already loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants to boost its performance in defending free radicals produced by sun exposure.

Fruits rich in vitamin C: Strawberries, blueberries, oranges, cherries, red or pink grape fruit and kiwis are enriched with vitamin C. The nutrient is a big fighter against free radical damage caused by exposure to UV radiation. These fruits boost production of collagen that promotes the youthful appearance.

Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, flax seeds, fish oil and chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. All these are natural anti-inflammatory foods that may give protection against sunburn and cellular damage that may lead to skin cancer.

Red apples with their peel: The peel of red apples contains phytochemicals that can help repair sun damage and prevent skin cancer as well.

Lemon water: Replace sweet and aerated drinks with lemon water whenever you’re going out in sun. You may add lemon peel to enhance the benefits of skin protection from UV rays and repair sunburn damage.

All these foods are skin care experts. They act as a kind of internal sunscreen. Help yourself to reduce sun damage with these natural super foods – minimal hassle!

Note: Stay away from sugar and simple carbohydrates like pasta and white bread as much as possible. These foods can severely damage your skin’s ability to manage UV exposure appropriately.

FC Barcelona will have to pay more than $10.8 million for defender Yerry Mina if they want him to join the Spanish football side in January, Brazil’s Palmeiras said.

While the two clubs originally agreed that the Colombian would go to Barcelona in July 2018 for 9 million euros ($10.8 million), both Mina and the Spanish team want the transfer to happen now, reports Efe.

“Mina dreams of going to Europe, and Palmeiras opens negotiations based on that. We have already set a price, the ball is now there (in Barcelona),” Alexandre Mattos, the Brazilian club’s sporting director, told journalists on Friday after meeting with the player.

He said that Palmeiras is confident of getting a quick answer from Barça.

“If Barcelona meets what we are asking for, Mina goes. If not, he remains until the middle of the year. The player and the Catalan club know that,” Mattos said.

Barcelona, contending with defensive woes, contacted Palmeiras the day after Christmas to request that Mina’s transfer be moved up.

The Dabolim airport in Goa is set for expansion on the back of expected growth in the civil aviation sector though the tourist state will be getting a brand new aerodrome.

The proposed airport at Mopa in North Goa is likely to impact the traffic flow at Dabolim, but its operator the AAI said it will go ahead with expansion plans at the existing facility to cater to growing demand in the sector.

Goa’s lone airport at Dabolim operates from the naval base `INS Hansa’. The first phase of greenfield airport at Mopa is schedule to be operational by 2019.

“There is definitely going to be some impact (on traffic at Dabolim) after commencement of flights at Mopa. The actual impact would be known only when it (Mopa) becomes a reality,” Goa Airport Director B C H Negi told PTI today.

“Even after Mopa becomes operational, considering the kind of growth the sector is witnessing, we will need additional infrastructure (at Dabolim),” he said.

“How many chartered flights will go there and how many scheduled flights will go there will be known only after the Mopa airport becomes operational,” Negi said.

“As of now nobody (none of airlines operating flights from Dabolim) have told us that they will be shifting to Mopa though there is no such condition that they have to intimate us in advance,” the director said.

The facility at Dabolim is meant to handle 5 million passengers annually but it is currently managing 6.9 million flyers.

Speaking about the expansion plans, Negi said the AAI will be adding 2 million passenger capacity to take the total to 7 million.”

“There are so many areas (around the airport) which remain unused. We have modified these areas to add capacity,” he added.

“Three parking bays and expansion of the terminus have been planned at the spot where the old airport building existed,” he said.

Negi said the work will start in the next six months.

“In the next three years, we want to complete facilities like expansion of terminal building and construction of parking bays,” he added.

“We have issued tenders for appointing project management consultant,” Negi said.

The director said the Dabolim facility is closed for civilian flights between 8.30 am and 12.30 pm when the Indian Navy uses the airport for its flying operations.

French tennis player Gael Monfils advanced to the Qatar Open final after Australian top seed Dominic Thiem was forced to withdraw from the semi-final due to fever here.

The Frenchman will play rising star Andrey Rublev in the final after the Russian outlasted the Argentine left-hander Guido Pella 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2) in two hours and 25 minutes.

Thiem, the only seed remaining since the quarter-finals, was set to play his first hard court semi-final in more than a year. The last time he did so was back in Metz in September 2016. Unfortunately, Thiem developed a fever which laid him low and he had to pull out from the semi-final against three-time finalist Monfils.

Monfils, who had taken a wild card into the tournament, was returning from a four-month injury break himself.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Rublev, who idolises Spanish great Rafael Nadal, put himself in the driver’s seat taking the first set 6-2 but Pella struck back to win the second 6-4. Rublev hit a ball into the stands in anger and received a warning.

The third set saw a marathon battle where both players had their chances early on. Pella had three break points but failed to capitalise on any. Rublev then had two of his own but some good serves from Pella nullified them.

Serving down 4-5, Rublev faced a match point but came up with an ace to save it and then held on. Again he was two points from defeat at 5-6 but held on strong.

In the ensuing tie-break, Rublev made a great start, leading 4-0 with some great tennis including a superb backhand passing shot winner. Pella won two points to come to 2-4 but Rublev was too strong and completed the win to reach the Qatar Open final on his debut.

After the match, Rublev credited his opponent too for the quality of play.

“I have no words to describe. It was an amazing match for both of us. We played some amazing rallies. Good job to Pella for the way he played. We had a great battle and I think people enjoyed the match. I was focused and trying to fight for every ball,” he said.

In the doubles final, which featured some entertaining rallies, second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic beat top seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares 6-2, 7-6(6) to begin the New Year on a great note.

They had reached the Wimbledon final in 2017 and hope for a repeat this season.

There is a very high level of tension in Pakistan between the elements of the civilian government and the military which complicates the US’ ability to have an effective dialogue with the country over combating terrorism, a senior American official said.

The remarks by the Trump administration official came as the US stepped up efforts to put pressure on Pakistan to take decisive action against the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

The US, the official said, will continue to engage with both the military and the civilian leadership and be clear and consistent about the things that it is looking for and about how it wants to work with Islamabad.

“Pakistan right now is in a state of flux as we’re looking at new elections maybe in six seven months’ time.

There is certainly a high level of tension between the military and many of the civilian elements. So, it does complicate our ability to have an effective dialogue,” said the official on condition of anonymity.

The official said it was important for the civilians and military leadership to work together to deal with extremist groups.

“We recognise there are civil military tensions which complicate our ability, but we engage with both civilian and military leaders. We make our requests very clear to both institutions,” said the White House official.

“We are simply seeking to convince the Pakistanis to change their policies toward the Taliban and the Haqqani network and to cooperate more fully with us in our Afghanistan strategy. We’re not you know evaluating the internal political situation,” the official said.

China has maintained its blue alert for intense snowfall in the central parts of the country, which has so far killed 13 people, the National Meteorological Centre said on Saturday.

The NMC issued a blue snowstorm alert, the least severe of its four-tiered alert system after red, orange and yellow, for both Saturday and Sunday.

The agency said it expected blizzards to dump 4 to 8 centimetres of snow in parts of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Anhui and Hubei provinces and some areas could be hit with more than 10 centimetres, Xinhua news agency reported.

The NMC warned residents of the affected areas to stay indoors and asked authorities to take precautionary measures for roads, highways and electric and telecommunication systems.

The first snow of 2018 affected large parts of northwestern, central and eastern China since Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and damaging houses, agriculture and power facilities, according to local authorities.

The affected area was spread over 13,100 hectares of farmland, out of which more than 900 hectares had been destroyed, causing an estimated loss of $78.6 million.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Singapore on Saturday after holding talks with ASEAN Secretary General Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta, as India steps up efforts to strengthen engagements with the countries of the region under its ‘Act East’ policy.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in Singapore for the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. pic.x.com/340pDM5MeP

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

The ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Swaraj also interacted with Indian diaspora in Jakarta during an event organised in her honor.

Connecting with the Indian diaspora, EAM @SushmaSwaraj addressing the Indian Community at a Reception held in her honour in Jakarta. #ActEastPolicy. pic.x.com/pp3BKdyxlV

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

“Taking ASEAN-India relationship in the commemorative year! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Mr. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General, ASEAN and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. #ActEastPolicy,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Taking ASEAN-India relationship in the commemorative year! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Mr. Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General, ASEAN and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. #ActEastPolicy. pic.x.com/CRDqfe3zcF

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

Swaraj, who arrived here from Thailand on the second leg of her three-nation tour, also inaugurated the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank.

“In the run up to the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit, an important event in Jakarta today, EAM @SushmaSwaraj inaugurates the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank. In attendance are FM of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, Secretary Gen of ASEAN and DG RIS,” Kumar tweeted.

In the run up to the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit, an important event in Jakarta today, EAM @SushmaSwaraj inaugurates the 5th Round Table of ASEAN India Network of Think-Tank. In attendance are FM of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, Secretary Gen of ASEAN and DG RIS. #ActEastPolicy. pic.x.com/jd27H7BmCd

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 6, 2018

Stating that both India and ASEAN shared a common vision for global commerce and maritime domain, Sushma Swaraj said that New Delhi looked forward to working closely with the regional bloc in a range of activities like developing a Blue Economy, coastal surveillance, building off- shore patrolling capabilities, hydrographic services, and information sharing for increased maritime domain awareness.

She also said that deeper economic integration with the Asean region was an important aspect of India’s Act East Policy.

“Asean is India’s fourth largest trading partner, accounting for 10.2 per cent of India’s total trade,” she stated. “India is Asean’s seventh largest trading partner. Trade is back on track and registered an 8 per cent increase in 2016-17, as compared to the previous year.”

Pointing out that investment flows have remained robust, Sushma Swaraj said that there have been continuous efforts to promote dialogue among Asean and Indian business and trade associations, to further enhance bilateral trade and investment.

“The establishment of a Project Development Fund will encourage Indian companies to develop manufacturing hubs in CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam) countries,” she stated.

“Our offer of a $1 billion line of credit is another important initiative to enhance physical and digital connectivity.”

New Delhi will host a commemorative summit on January 25 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership between India and the ASEAN in which all the leaders of the grouping are expected to participate.