India ready to offer weapons to IOR countries, says Rajnath Singh
The remark is seen as a move to check China’s aggressive activities in the region
The remark is seen as a move to check China’s aggressive activities in the region
The remark is seen as a move to check China’s aggressive activities in the region
The remark is seen as a move to check China’s aggressive activities in the region
Claiming that the negative impact of conflicting claims in some maritime areas of the world highlighted the need to ensure peace in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India as the largest nation in the region with a vast coast line of 7,500 km, has an active role to play for peaceful and prosperous co-existence of all countries. Singh's remark was pointed at Chinese aggressive claims and activities over the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Region respectively. Projecting India as a 'Big Brother' in the region, the defence minister claimed that the country is ready to supply various types of weapons systems to IOR countries.
While delivering the keynote address in the maiden Defence Ministers’ Conclave of IOR, Singh stressed that the Indian Ocean is a shared asset and a lifeline to international trade and transport due to its control of major sea-lanes carrying half of the world’s container ships, one third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two thirds of the world’s oil shipments.
He emphasised that easy, uninterrupted access to the open seas and respect for the international law was essential for stability and security in the region.
The conclave was attended by defence ministers and their representatives of 28 countries of IOR on the sidelines of Aero India exhibition in Bangaluru.
Talking about the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region is the theme of Indian Ocean Policy as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015), Singh added that in line with this the IOR conclave should focus on security, commerce, connectivity, fight against terrorism and inter cultural exchanges.
He identified areas such as deepening economic and security cooperation in the littorals, enhancing capacities to safeguard land and maritime territories, working towards sustainable regional development, blue economy, including sustainable and regulated fishing, and promoting collective action to deal with non-traditional threats like natural disasters, piracy, terrorism, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing etc. as inter-related elements of SAGAR.
"IOR faces a number of challenges such as piracy, smuggling of drugs/people and arms, humanitarian and disaster relief, and Search & Rescue (SAR) which can be met through maritime co-operation," Singh told the gathering.
He further identified maritime resources as the key to sustained growth and development of IOR nations in the 21st century. He also added that the IOR countries have demonstrated mutual respect for a rules-based order and commitment to abide by international law.
While speaking about various policy initiatives of the government to promote trade and tourism among IOR countries through sea link Sagarmala, Project Mausam, and Asia Africa Growth Corridor etc, the defence minister emphasized the need to take economic, trade, naval cooperation and collaboration further in the region.
He said that the linked futures of IOR countries depend on how they tackle emerging challenges and leverage opportunities.
Referring to India’s growing Aerospace and Defence sector and its emergence as a global R&D hub with one of the world’s largest start up ecosystems, he said the IOR countries can leverage these sectors for mutual benefit.
Calling the recent order from the Indian Air Force for 83 LCA Tejas fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a milestone in India’s indigenization of defence manufacturing capabilities, Singh maintained that India is ready to supply various types of weapons systems to IOR countries.
Singh further said that in consonance with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR, Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies, India has adopted a cooperative approach through capacity building assistance in partner countries.
"This was reflected in India’s supply of Indian made ships, maritime aircraft and setting-up of Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems," he said.
India was developing a comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness picture in the IOR, which has resulted in signing of Technical Agreements for sharing of ‘White Shipping Information’.
Mentioning about vaccine diplomacy, Singh said the vaccine supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles have already highlighted India’s commitment to protect humanity from COVID-19.
India’s approach and vision to tackle global challenges was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five ‘S’ vision—Samman (Respect), Samvaad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation), Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity), Singh said.