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Rajnath Singh reiterates call for free and open Indo-Pacific
The union minister described enhancing trade and connectivity, capacity building and infrastructure-related initiatives as time-tested ways of working together
Union 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 for the whole world.
His comments come at a time of China’s assertive behaviour in the disputed South China sea.
Delivering the keynote address at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), in New Delhi, Singh said dialogue was the only civilised mechanism for resolving disputes and disagreements and creating regional or global order.
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Rajnath cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolute message during the G-20 summit in Bali that “the era of war is over” and called for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific, pivoting on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
“In the times when humanity is facing problems like climate change, the covid 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,” he said.
The union 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 stressed the need to leverage them collectively for the common good.
He said the 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 civilised nations. It is for this reason that when we partner with any nation, it is done on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect.”
The three-day apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy, the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2022 kicked off in New Delhi on Wednesday. The annual international conference seeks to foster an exchange of ideas and promote deliberations on maritime issues relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
