Bhubaneswar, March 20 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Sushama Swaraj on Friday said India was committed to maritime security, freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in the Indian Ocean region.
"We have been working with like-minded countries to preserve the integrity, inviolability and security of maritime domain which is a global commons. We are committed to maritime security, freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law," she said addressing an international conference on India and Indian Ocean here.
She said the region has been a focus of India's foreign policy.
The minister also said the government has advocated collective action and cooperation in the region to make the seas safe, secure and free for all.
"We strongly believe that those who live in this region have the primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. At the same time we recognise that there are other nations, who may have strong interests or presence in the region," Sushama Swaraj said.
She said even though there has been sustained economic growth in the countries, at the same time the region is witnessing non-traditional threats such as natural disasters, piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, oil spills and effect of climate change.
"We look forward to building closer cooperation in the maritime domain, regularising bilateral maritime exercises and strengthen the dialogues between the naives and the coast guards with all littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region," said Sushama Swaraj.
Stating that the region witnessed a significant rise in services trade, she said the full potential of intra-regional trade remains untapped because of poor communication and transport links, lack of information about supply capabilities, among other barriers.
Similarly, the intra-regional investment is still negligible despite tremendous potential. Deepening of regional economic integration may help in exploiting this hidden potential of intra-regional cooperation for mutual benefit, said the minister.
"Time has come that the countries in the region consider evolving a common regional standard to promote intraregional trade. Some mechanisms need to be evolved to address the challenges and hindrances in the way of trade growth to ensure that intra-regional trade becomes significant to make the overall economic performance of IORA vibrant," Sushama Swaraj said.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said there was need to use the opportunity to reclaim trade and cultural relations with nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
"Therefore, we must develop a comprehensive geo-strategic policy that promotes mutually beneficial engagements on an umbrella of issues relating to trade, culture, security and environment," said the chief minister.
He said Odisha can play a very significant role in this new paradigm.
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India was prepared to play a key role in the affairs of Indian Ocean Region.
He said there was need for cooperation among the countries for revival of trade and cultural linkage with Odisha and the country.
The political stir has increased after the resignation of two ministers (Manish Sisodia and Satye
Assembly by-elections: Criminal cases against 44 candidates, 77 crorepatis
Of the 235 candidates for assembly and Lok Sabha by-elections to be held in different states, 44
Target Killing in Kashmir: Terrorists shot Kashmiri Pandit in Shopian, died in hospital
Terrorists have once again carried out target killing in the valley. Militants shot and injured a
Surat
Coronavirus cases have increased rapidly in Surat, Gujarat since last week. There h
Akshay Kumar is in the headlines these days for his latest release film 'Mission Raniganj'. The f
Ratan Tata Death: Film stars paid tribute to Ratan Tata, and said- the world has lost a visionary
The country's famous industrialist 'Ratan Tata' said goodbye to this world at the age of 86. Rata
There is a piece of relief news in Delhi amid continuous oxygen shortage. The capital Delhi recei
Vikrant Massey's film 12th Fail is considered to be one of the best films of the year 2023. It is
Realme C35 Launch: After Redmi, Realme is counted in the smartphone giving more features at a low
Badrinath Highway in Joshimath of Chamoli district affected by the disaster is also sinking in ma
