The unprecedented destruction caused by Tsunami waves on December 26 last year is not only a rare phenomenon for Indian Ocean countries, but it is also unique as it witnessed intense diplomatic manoeuvring in the name of aid. The aid flowing from donor countries carry not only humanitarian assistance but are also seen as a diplomatic tool used to further their foreign policy objectives. The first move in this regard was made by India while coping with the disaster on its eastern shores. It is interesting to note that despite suffering the loss of almost 15,000 lives and the need for Rs.
Amidst security threats, sporadic bomb blasts, and international criticism towards one of the member states (Myanmar), the tenth ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) summit successfully laid out its plans to achieve the objectives of ASEAN Vision 2020 on November 29-30 in Vientiane, Capital city of Laos.