India Will Uphold A Free, Stable Indo-Pacific, Says Army Chief

New Delhi: Indian Army chief Gen. Manoj Pande on Tuesday told the Army Chiefs from the Indo-Pacific region that India was committed to maintaining a free and stable Indo-Pacific where the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations are respected. Gen. Pande's statement comes at a time when there is growing global concern over Chinese influence in the region.

"While efforts by countries are converging towards effecting a free and stable Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of inter-state contestations and competitions," said Gen. Pande in his address during the inauguration of the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC), which is jointly hosted by the Indian and US Armies.

Gen. Pande comments come when China has become aggressive in the South China Sea, claiming sovereignty over the entire area and rejecting the overlapping claims of other countries in the region.

In all, 30 countries from the region are taking part in the conference. The Army Chiefs of 17 countries are participating in the two-day event, which includes Australia, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, the UK and France. Some 13 other countries have sent their delegations to participate in the conference.

Gen. Pande said that India’s strategic location astride the vital sea-lanes of communication in the Indo-Pacific propels us as a key player in the region’s discourse.

"Our outlook emphasises respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region, equality for all, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of the use of force and adherence to international laws, rules and regulations," said the Army Chief.

US Army Chief Randy George said the Indo-Pacific region is critically important for the US. "You have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority... This is why we are here... We exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific," he said.

"The network that Gen. Pande and I and all our fellow Chiefs are building here at IPACC…is the security architecture that binds this region together," said Gen. George, adding, "That leads to unity and collective commitment across the region… And that unity and commitment are the best deterrence."

"I believe that together, we will maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific that enables the independence, strength and prosperity of every nation," added US Gen.