India calls for free, open & inclusive order in Indo-Pacific based upon respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of all nations
India has called for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Addressing the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting at Siem Reap, Cambodia today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, New Delhi is concerned about complicating actions and incidents that have eroded trust and confidence and undermined peace and stability in the region.
He added that India stands for the freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful settlement of maritime disputes and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. The Minister expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea will be fully consistent with international law and should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not party to these discussions. He also said New Delhi believes that regional security initiatives must be consultative and development oriented to reflect the larger consensus.
The Defence Minister highlighted transnational and cross-border terrorism are the gravest threat requiring urgent and resolute intervention by international community. He added that indifference can no longer be a response, as terrorism has found victims globally. Mr. Singh underlined that the terrorist groups have created interlinkages across continents backed by new-age technologies to transfer money and recruit supporters. The transformation of cyber-crimes into organized cyber-attacks point to the increasing use of new technologies by both State and non-State actors.
He said, while terrorism continues to remain a big threat, other security concerns that have emerged in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic cannot be ignored. He added that the ongoing geo-political developments have brought the world’s attention to the challenges of Energy and Food Security. Mr. Singh said as a responsible member of the international community, India has worked with its partners in extending humanitarian aid and food grains on a large scale.
