'The US and India are engaged in a dialogue for missile defence. I hope it will allow the Indian government to protect the Indian people from Chinese missiles,' says China expert Richard Fisher.

ICRIER has suggested that the government hasten tax reforms by lowering peak customs duties to ensure export competitiveness of domestic industry.

The Asian Development Bank said on Friday that India, Pakistan and China had borrowed the lion's share of the $5.68 billion it lent to 21 nations last year.

Allaying fears of disruption in crude oil supplies in the event of a US-led war against Iraq, the government on Wednesday said it had put in place a contingency plan to meet any eventuality.

East Asia region with its cultural diversity, abundant resources and vast pool of skilled manpower is poised at the crossroads of quantum growth and should be a most preferred and attractive destination for Indian investment.