As China is muscling into the Indo-Pacific region causing concern, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for an open and inclusive order in the region based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
He also flagged terrorism and radicalisation as the “gravest threats” to peace and security in the world and said a collective approach is required to combat the challenges. This observation was in apparent reference to Pakistan aiding and abetting terrorism.
Rajnath made these assertions while addressing the 8th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus. The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partner countries - Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. Brunei is the Chair of the ADMM Plus forum this year.
Refraining from naming China, Rajnath talked about the Indo-Pacific region stressing the need for rule-based order and stressed on “peaceful resolutions of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws.”
“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,” he added.
Highlighting India’s concerns over maritime security challenges, he noted that developments in the South China Sea attracted attention in the region and beyond. It was in obvious reference to China’s aggressive behaviour in the critical waterways.
“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.
He 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 party to these discussions.