Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Indo-Pacific is no longer just a maritime region but a full-fledged geo-strategic issue and the region is facing complexities like border disputes and security challenges including piracy. These statements of the Defense Minister during the inaugural speech at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi have come in the background of China’s increasing military aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing border dispute in Eastern Ladakh.
Meanwhile, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey said, “There are important challenges before us, but equally important is our collective wisdom and strength.” Through open dialogue and exchange of ideas, we will find innovative solutions to challenges.
He said that it is clear that 65 percent of the world’s population lives in the Indo-Pacific region, 63 percent of the world’s GDP is from this region and 50 percent of the world’s maritime trade takes place in this region. General Pandey said, “Therefore, the geographical and economic indispensability of the region to the world naturally gives it the role of an important region in the contemporary geo-strategic scenario.”
US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George said that the partnership between the US and Indian armies is important for stability in the Indo-Pacific where the region faces a challenging strategic environment. Representatives of more than 30 countries are participating in the two-day conference, including army chiefs of about 15 countries. America is co-hosting the conference.
General George said, “We all know how important trust and friendship are in a challenging global security environment. It is more important than ever to build good allies and partners.” India displayed some of its indigenously developed military equipment in the exhibition organized as part of the conference.
Defense Minister Singh reiterated India’s stand for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in the pursuit of shared security and prosperity. He defined ‘neighborhood first’ as the cornerstone of India’s culture since ancient times.
Underlining the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said that India’s approach towards the region is defined by its ‘Act East Policy’. The Defense Minister said that India’s efforts towards building strong military partnerships with friendly countries underline its commitment to not only protect national interests but also address the global challenges faced by all.
Army Chief General Manoj Pandey said India’s approach to the Indo-Pacific emphasizes respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, peaceful resolution of disputes and avoidance of the use of force.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the conference, General Pandey said, “We must recognize that our methods and methods towards achieving our objectives may be different, but our goal is the same and that is an open and free Indo-Pacific. ”
He said that India’s commitment to constructive dialogue with all parties in the region to ensure peace and stability remains unwavering and steadfast. Emphasizing the importance of Indo-Pacific, General Pandey said that the Indo-Pacific region is not just a group of nations, but it is an example of interdependence on each other. “Our goal is to build trust and strengthen cooperation,” he said.
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