New Delhi — The Defence Minister AK Antony today called for an adoption of ‘cooperative approaches’ for ensuring the security of sea lanes in the Asia-Pacific Region. Addressing the first ever ASEAN Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi today, Mr Antony said India is participating in two projects together with the Malacca countries, within the framework of IMO, to improve the safety of navigation in this region.
He said the Indian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now. Mr Antony said Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community and expressed India’s commitment to work together with other countries to address piracy.
A press release issued by the Indian defence ministry said, “The security of sea lanes of communication is vital in today’s world. It is in the common interest of nations to keep sea lanes open, secure and free for navigation, trade and energy supplies. Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community, as we have witnessed in the Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas.
The security of sea lanes is important for the Asia-Pacific region, which is now one of the most important drivers of global economic growth. Through the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Malacca Straits mechanisms, we are partnering with other countries in the region to improve the safety of navigation in the region. Cooperative approaches on maritime security would offer benefits for the region as a wholeâ€.
The ADMM Plus forum has for the first time brought together the defence establishments of all the key nations in the region with the objective of addressing non-traditional security challenges. Complimenting the ASEAN for bringing together the defence establishments of all the key nations in the region, Mr Antony said, Asia in general and South East Asia in particular, have learnt, through harsh experience, the various forms that such challenges take. He called for the development of synergy to counter such challenges.
“The growth of terrorism, the growing role of non-state actors, cyber threats etc. are markers in the evolution of the global security construct during the last decade or so. Asia has been the theatre for the unfolding of many of these developments. Given the transnational nature of the challenges, it is important to develop synergy and build institutionalised cooperative arrangementsâ€, he said.
Mr Antony welcomed the Hanoi Joint Declaration, saying it provides a viable framework for multilateral defence and security dialogue and cooperation in the region. He extended New Delhi’s support for the five priority areas identified for cooperation and the idea of having expert groups to develop cooperation in these areas. “India looks forward to contributing to the deliberations and activities of each of these Groupsâ€, he said.
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