New Delhi: India believes that for general prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region there is a need to evolve through dialogue based on general rule sequences that respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality of all countries, Minister of External Affairs SM Jaisanhankar.
His statement came amidst global concerns over the flexure of Chinese military muscles in the region.
Overcoming the 4th Indo-Pacific Business Forum on Thursday, Jaisankar said that Indo-Pacific reflects the reality of globalization, the emergence of multipaling and the benefits of balancing.
“It underlines our dependence and interpenetration.
When we talk about good and general efforts, it is natural that this is intended between other means, through the business forum,” he said.
India sees Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region that embraces all in common pursuit of progress and prosperity, said Jaishankar.
It covers all nations in this geography and also attracts other people outside that have interests in it, he said.
“India believes that our general prosperity and security requires us to evolve through dialogue based on rules based on regulations for the region.
The command must respect the sovereignty and integrity of territorial, international law and equality from all nations,” Jaishankar said.
“It imagines that countries must have access to the use of public spaces in the sea and in the air that will require freedom of navigation and overflights, trade without obstacles and resolving peaceful disputes in accordance with international law,” he said.
His statement assumed significance because a number of countries had territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region.
Jaisankar confirmed that India meant a fair, open, balanced, rule-based international trade regime in the region.
The Indian approach is based on cooperation and collaboration given the need for a shared response to share challenges in the region, he said.