New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) India’s vision for Indo-Pacific is based on fostering partnerships through sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.
Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2024, Singh reiterated the stand for a rule-based international order and respect for international law.
“India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific, with a strong emphasis on the centrality of ASEAN in fostering regional dialogue, stability & collective growth,” he said.
He further underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the vital international maritime routes. “The engagement with regional partners, including joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the collective maritime security framework,” the Defence Minister added.
“While India’s endeavour for maritime cooperation continues, its interests are not in conflict with any other country. At the same time, interests of any other nation should not come in conflict with other nations. This is the spirit in which we must work together,” he said.
Singh pointed out that the rapidly evolving global maritime landscape is shaped by shifting power dynamics, resource competition & emerging security threats. He added that the emergence of the Indo-Pacific theatre reflects a visible balancing of global power.
“The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the world’s most dynamic geopolitical zone and is the centre of gravity of the economic & strategic interests. It also carries a degree of pre-existing international tension, rivalry and conflict.
While some challenges are of local nature, many challenges have global ramifications. With respect to marine resources, we are witnessing a significant increase in geopolitical competition. As populations continue to grow, the demand for marine resources has surged, leading to heightened tensions and competition among nations,” he said.
Rajnath also expressed concern over certain attempts to monopolise and weaponise critical resources for strategic reasons, terming these tendencies as not conducive for the global good.
Singh also underscored peaceful coexistence and comity among nations, and drew upon the ancient Indian philosophy of humankind's symbiotic existence in harmony with nature as a way ahead in the exploration and management of marine resources.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasised the relevance of the oceanic spaces, specifically the Indo-Pacific, for India’s economic growth and security. Stressing that India’s maritime policy of SAGAR envisioned collective prosperity and security for all in the region, he advocated collaboration and cooperation as the principal means to achieve this end-state.
UNI PSP CS1856