In a significant address at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated India's vision for the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing that New Delhi's approach is fundamentally inclusive and cooperative rather than targeted against any specific nation.
The minister's statement comes amid growing global attention on the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific waters, where multiple nations have competing interests and security concerns.
India's Commitment to Peaceful Cooperation
Speaking at the high-level gathering of defence officials, Singh underscored that India's policy framework for the Indo-Pacific is built on principles of mutual respect and shared prosperity. He highlighted that the region's stability and security are paramount for economic growth and development across all participating nations.
"Our approach to the Indo-Pacific is positive and forward-looking," Singh stated during his address. "It is not directed against any country but rather aimed at fostering an environment of trust and transparency."
Key Pillars of India's Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Defence Minister outlined several crucial elements that define India's engagement in the region:
- Promoting freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the Indo-Pacific waters
- Advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue
- Ensuring sustainable development of maritime resources
- Enhancing connectivity while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Strengthening rule-based order in the region
ASEAN Centrality in Regional Architecture
Singh particularly emphasized the central role of ASEAN countries in the evolving security architecture of the Indo-Pacific. He reaffirmed India's commitment to working closely with ASEAN member states and other regional partners to address common security challenges.
The Defence Minister's remarks signal India's continued diplomatic efforts to position itself as a stabilizing force in the region, promoting cooperation while carefully navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
This articulation of India's Indo-Pacific doctrine at the ASEAN platform represents New Delhi's ongoing strategic outreach to reassure regional partners about its intentions and approach to regional security matters.
