Sushma Swaraj: Indian Ocean is central component of free Indo-Pacific region

External Affairs Minister EAM Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that the Indian Ocean is a central component of a free and fair IndoPacific region adding that the country has a vision of collective action and cooperation for realising the true potential of the regionInaugurating the third Indian Ocean conference here Swaraj said The Indian Ocean was known as Ratnakali or ocean of treasures Our vision of the region is of collective cooperation and coordination Therefore nurturing a climate of peace and stability is an important priority for our foreign policy We have to commit to the idea of peaceful coexistenceReiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a free and inclusive IndoPacific region Swaraj insisted that it is important to build an overarching vision for the regionSwaraj stressed that the countries which come under the IndoPacific region should strive to work to ensure peace and prosperity are attained in the Indian Ocean She further underscored that over the years Indias approach to the region matured into a broader strategic engagement with the help of ASEANWe see ASEAN as central to regional maritime architecture This was recognised by leaders during the ASEANIndia Commemorative Summit in January In the Delhi Dialogue we reiterated the importance of maintaining and promoting peace stability maritime safety security and freedom of navigation in the regioniquest she continuedTerming the Indian Ocean as a centre of emerging age of Asia Swaraj stated that the economic importance of the ocean maintains a key strategic importance while adding that the IndoPacific region is host to some of the worlds busiest waterwaysTalking about the maritime challenges in the region Swaraj elucidated Security is an old and compassing concept and includes traditional nontraditional and newly emerging threats These include maritime terrorism smuggling transnational crimes drug trafficking illegal undeported and unregulated fishing piracy and unregulation of private maritime security companies and proliferation of sensitive items This is further compounded by natural disasters climate change and oil spills which our region is highly prone toThe EAM said that such diverse nature of challenges requires effective partnerships at both regional and multilateral levelStressing that India considers IndianOcean Rim Association IORA as an instrument for achieving peace and security in the region Swaraj continued We are supportive of the invigoration of these activities including the blue economy and renewable energy The focus of IORA on maritime safety and security promotes a sheer understanding of maritime issues It helps to develop a cooperative mechanism We will enhance a regional HADR Humanitarian Assistance And Disaster Relief capacity in cases of natural disasters and crisis We share a common vision for IndoPacific regionReiterating Prime Minister Modis SAGAR vision which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region Swaraj listed three approaches saying Projects to promote hinterland linkages and structural regional connectivity making South Asia to SouthEast Asia under the Act East Policy and and the Gulf under the Think West Policy and lastly playing an active n constructive role in strategic maritime securitySwaraj underscored that India and Vietnam shared all concerns of the maritime issues and agreed to cooperate in the domain including antipiracy security of sea lanes and exchanging of white shipping informationSwaraj who is currently on a fiveday visit to Vietnam and Cambodia further went on to say that a precisive and a collective approach is required to develop the IndoPacific region to its true potentialStressing that the region cannot be solely a growth engine for others Swaraj said It is to be a community of ideas and commitments We need to ensure the commitment to the ideas of rulebased orders equality under the international law peaceful resolution of disputes and equitable distribution of benefits of distributionCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever