Rajnath reiterates call for free, open Indo-Pacific

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reiterated that India stands for a “free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific” not just for the region’s development, but the entire world’s

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reiterated that India stands for a “free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific” not just for the region’s development, but the entire world’s. His comments come at a time of China’s assertive behaviour in the disputed South China sea region.

Siem Reap, Nov 22 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a bilateral meeting with Defence Minister of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang, in Siem Reap on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (ANI/PIB)

Delivering the keynote address at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), Singh said dialogue was the only civilised mechanism for resolving disputes and disagreements, and creating regional or global order.

On Wednesday, speaking at the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Vietnam, he had called for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific, pivoting on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

On Friday, Singh stressed on the importance of countries working together. “In times when humanity is facing problems like climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread deprivation, it is essential that we all work together to surmount these mammoth challenges, without being distracted by the destructive seduction of wars and conflicts.”

The minister described enhancing trade and connectivity, capacity building and infrastructure-related initiatives as time-tested ways of working together, and said these could act as bridges of friendship and ensure mutual benefit.

He said strategic policy should be moral, and India does not believe in a global order where few are considered superior to others.

“Realpolitik cannot be the fig leaf for being immoral. Rather, enlightened self-interest of nations can be promoted within the framework of strategic morality, which is predicated on the understanding and respect for the legitimate strategic imperative of all the civilised nations. It is for this reason that when we partner any nation, it is on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect.”