Saturday, January 1 2005 20:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh will represent India at the Special ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Summit meeting in Jakarta on January 6 to discuss the aftermath of Asia's devastating natural disaster, it was officially announced today (Jan 1, 2005).

"Because of his commitment to inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has requested the External Affairs Minister to represent him at the meeting," an official release in New Delhi said.

After the ASEAN meet, Natwar Singh will also fly to Colombo to discuss relief and rehabilitation issues with the Sri Lankan Government.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda had yesterday extended the invitation to India when he spoke to Natwar Singh.

In all, 23 countries, including the 10 member States of the ASEAN and four major international organisations, have been invited.

The invitees include the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand besides UN Secretary General, representatives from the World Bank, ADB, European Union and European Commission.

India has conveyed its deep concern over the huge loss of life and property in Indonesia.

While an Indian Naval hospital ship is expected to reach Aceh tomorrow, INS Kukri has left Chennai for Indonesia carrying tents, blankets, emergency food and rations and medicines.