New Delhi, Jun 16 (Bureau) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for an open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations while addressing the 8th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus virtually. Stressing on peaceful resolutions of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws, he further said,” India has strengthened its cooperative engagements in the Indo-Pacific based on converging visions and values for promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Premised upon the centrality of ASEAN, India supports utilisation of ASEAN-led mechanisms as important platforms for implementation of our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.”
Putting forth India’s views before the Defence Ministers of ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners, Mr Singh stressed that the emerging challenges to international peace and security cannot be addressed with outdated systems designed to deal with trials of the past. The Raksha Mantri reiterated India’s support to freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded commerce for all in international waters in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “Maritime security challenges are a concern to India. The Sea lanes of Communication are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region,” he stressed and hoped that the Code of Conduct negotiations will lead to outcomes keeping with international law and do not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not a party to these discussions.
The ‘Act East Policy’, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2014, stated that the key elements of the policy aim to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. Terming terrorism and radicalisation as the gravest threats to world peace and security, Defence Minister Singh called for cooperation to fully disrupt terror organisations and their networks; identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable and ensure that strong measures are taken against those who support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), he said India remains committed to combating financing terrorism. To deal with cyber threats, he also called for a multi-stakeholder approach, guided by democratic values, with a governance structure that is open and inclusive and secure, open and stable internet with due respect to the sovereignty of countries, that would drive the future of cyberspace.