As China is asserting itself in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said it is a matter of satisfaction that there is a “growing recognition and acceptance” for the idea of the Indo-Pacific in the world.
Making this point here after holding extensive talks with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Jaishankar said India welcomes greater interests and attention that the United Kingdom (UK) is devoting to the Indo-Pacific region and it looks forward to working with the UK Government.
“India has its own vision of Indo-Pacific. But I will also recognise that other country too. There could be big overlaps and there could be a few nuances. It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance for the idea of Indo-Pacific,” he said during the joint news conference after the talks.
“We certainly welcome a greater interest and attention that the UK is devoting to Indo Pacific. We certainly look forward to working with you in different manifestations,” Jaishankar said.
Indo-Pacific region comprises the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
Recently, the navies of India, US, Australia and Japan took part in a joint naval exercise off the Indian coasts. China reacted strongly and said the Quad combine was getting militarised and posed a challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar and Raab held bilateral and delegation-level talks during which they discussed a wide range of issues. They also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, the evolution of the Indo-Pacific, and developments in the middle-east.
Jaishankar said, “We have had this morning four hours of discussion on a wide range of issues and focus has been on how to take our ties to a higher level. In recent years as you know, there have been very big changes in global politics and we both believe that our interests are better served by working together more effectively.” Raab is on a three-day visit to India.
He said the UK and India have an invaluable and indispensable partnership, and we look forward to strengthening it in the years ahead. Together we can deliver an Enhanced Trade Partnership next year, combine our cyber security expertise to protect our citizens and join forces to protect global health and promote things like vaccine production.
“As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific.”
As a major economic and diplomatic power in the Indo-Pacific, closer UK-India economic, security and scientific ties will boost growth and create jobs for Britons and Indians and bring together both countries’ expertise as science superpowers to advance the frontiers of medicine and research.