The government on Monday said it was committed to strengthening security in the Indian Ocean and promoting a free, open and rules-based order without “coercion”, which is an apparent reference to China’s growing muscular flexibility in the region. is seen as. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defense Ajay Bhatt said that India supports freedom of navigation and overflight and uninterrupted commerce based on the principles of international law.
The Chinese Navy is increasing its infiltration in the Indian Ocean, which is considered to be the backyard of the Indian Navy. “The Government of India is committed to strengthen the defense and security of maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region to ensure a conducive and positive maritime environment,” Bhatt said.
“India is committed to promoting a free, open and rules-based order, which is enshrined in international law and free from coercion,” Bhatt said, adding that India is committed to freedom of navigation and over-flight and international law. Supports uninterrupted commerce based on the principles of , reflected in the ‘United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. “As a State Party to UNCLOS, India promotes the utmost respect for UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans,” he said.
Bhatt said India develops its maritime cooperation with regional partners in line with its vision of Security and Development for All (SAGAR) in the region. “The steps taken include ‘mission based deployment’ of ships and aircraft of the Indian Navy to increase maritime domain awareness, promote maritime security and address contingencies that may arise,” he said.
He was responding to a question on the efforts being made by the government to ensure commitment to the common maritime interests and freedom of navigation. “India actively engages with regional and extra-territorial maritime forces through multilateral exercises, joint surveillance, coordinated patrols, etc. to promote maritime security in the region in an inclusive and cooperative manner,” Bhatt said.
He said, “India also participated in regional frameworks such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) to promote maritime cooperation and exchanges in the region.” took.”
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