Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday here reiterated India’s stand on having a rules based international order and respect for international laws and said “India advocates for a peaceful resolution to disputes and seeks to promote cooperation among nations in Indo-Pacific.” These assertions were in apparent reference to China flexing its muscle in this strategically important region.
Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2024, he also said India’s vision for Indo-Pacific is based on fostering partnerships through sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security.
“India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that prioritise sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security,” Rajnath said.
engagement with its partners is guided by the understanding that true progress can only be achieved through collective action and synergy, and due to these efforts, it is now considered as a credible and preferred security partner and first responder in the region.
The Defence Minister reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to a rule-based international order, respect for international law, and adherence to the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, describing them as the cornerstones of foreign policy.
“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 and collective growth,” he said.
Rajnath also underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the vital international maritime routes. He added that the engagement with regional partners, including joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the collective maritime security framework.
He underlined that the Indian Armed Forces, especially Navy, has been at the forefront of cooperative endeavours with countries of the region, and are continuously working towards building their capacity and capabilities.
“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 added.
Rajnath pointed out that the rapidly evolving global maritime landscape is shaped by shifting power dynamics, resource competition and 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 and 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 added.
Sharing insights on the subject of ‘Global Commons’, the natural resources such as the ocean, outer space, climate, clean air, etc, which is shared by all of humanity, Rajnath stated that these are essential to maintain a sustainable planet. He stressed on the need to create a balance of competing interests, which can offer numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits transcending national boundaries.
