India calls for regional security framework to resolve disputes

Singapore: India on Saturday called for a regional framework for security management to peacefully resolve disputes, threat and use of force in the Indo-Pacific region, amid China flexing its muscles in the area to advance its maritime claims against its Asian neighbours.

"Regional framework for security management must enshrine a commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, the threat or use of force," said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in his address at the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue here.

He also called for collective efforts to tackle terrorism which remains the foremost challenge to the region. "The security framework in our region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," Parrikar said.

"Collective action and cooperation is the way forward to deal with the maritime threat, like terrorism, piracy and natural disaster," said the minister, adding that such cooperation will build trust and confidence.

"We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere," said Parrikar, calling for resolute efforts by all to destroy the terrorism.

Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to the region. Networks of radicalism and terrorism as well as the whole structure in the region and beyond continue to pose a threat to all peace loving societies.

Noting sensitivities of disputes and concern about growing tension, Parrikar highlighted India's blue economy initiative and prosperity of the region. "We are also building economic cooperation with maritime neighbours to reap the benefit of blue economy," he said.

Parrikar said there is no doubt that the Indo Pacific region, from East of Suez to Asia Pacific shores, will remain the driver of global prosperity for decades to come. "India's contribution as the fastest growing major economy in the world, will be a significant factor in ensuring this.

"I am equally confident that the countries of the region will rise to the challenge and tackle the security threat it faces," said Parrikar.

He also touched on the South China Sea and stressed, "While we do not take positions on territorial disputes which should be resolve peacefully without the threat or use of force, we firmly uphold freedom of navigation and over flights in accordance with international law in particular the UN convention on law of sea."

Parrikar called on all countries in the region to recognise that "our share prosperity and the enviable rate of growth that the region enjoyed in the past decade, will be put at risk by aggressive behaviour or action by anyone of us."

India, he said, has traditional links with countries of the South China Sea, and call on them to peacefully resolve it.

He said understanding each other's perspectives and increasing trust between stakeholders will reduce tensions. He said it is in China's economics interest to reduce tensions in the South China Sea.

"It is ultimately economics," Parrikar said. "If you have an unstable region like what we have in the Middle East, I don't think economics and prosperity will really (be) enhanced."

The minister also highlighted India's role in cooperation with the region, having been the first to help out Sri Lanka hit by recent floods and evacuation of people stranded in the war-torn Yemen.

"We are not only committed to safeguard India’s land and maritime territory but we also make our facilities available to other regional countries. Humanitarian assistance and disaster or HADR (High Availability Disaster Recovery) is our major focus," he said.