India stands for int'l peace, prosperity: Rajnath

On the proposed code of conduct in the South China Sea, Singh said India would like to see a code that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations which are not party to these deliberations. The code should be fully consistent with international law, in particular the UN Convention Law of Sea 1982, he added.

Asean countries and China are trying to negotiate a code of conduct to bring down the risk of conflict in the hotly contested South China Sea. “India has always advocated and practiced dialogue for resolving complex international issues. This commitment to open communication and peaceful negotiation is evident in India’s approach to a wide range of international challenges, from border disputes to trade agreements,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Singh also had one on one meetings with US secretary of defense Lloyd J. Austin, Republic of Korea’s minister of national defence Kim Yong Hyun, minister for defence industry of Australia Pat Conroy and defence minister of New Zealand Judith Collins on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus.

During meeting with Lloyd, both sides welcomed ongoing efforts to deepen the military partnership and interoperability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. They recognised the remarkable progress made under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, including ongoing collaboration to advance priority co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.

Meanwhile, India and Australia have signed an arrangement to enable the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling.

Rajnath Singh and minister for defence industry of Australia Pat Conroy announced the arrangement during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus.

Under the arrangement, RAAF’s air-to-air refuelling aircraft, the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, will be able to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft.