Jakarta, Jan 6: India wants to evolve a regional architecture based on the twin principles of shared security and shared prosperity, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Saturday as she called for a deeper economic integration with the “dynamic” ASEAN region.
Swaraj, who inaugurated the 5th Round Table of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) India Network of Think Tanks here, emphasised on enhancing maritime security, trade and investment, education and cultural heritage among the grouping. “These are important markers in our engagement with South East Asia, in enhancing our strategic ties with ASEAN across 3 Cs. These 3Cs are commerce, connectivity and culture,” she said.
Swaraj, who arrived here Friday from Thailand on the second leg of her three-nation tour, said both India and ASEAN countries are maritime nations, with a rich and glorious history of maritime trade. “We have energised our ancient links in a contemporary setting, to become a driving force in Asia’s resurgence,” she said in a statement.
“As a mature and responsible nation, one of India’s foreign policy interests, is to evolve a regional architecture based on the twin principles of shared security, and shared prosperity,” she said.
“This was enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, in his vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). It recognises the central role played by the seas and oceans around us in promoting sustainable economic progress in a secure and stable environment.”
She said the Indo Pacific region is increasingly seen as a connectivity pathway – much of the world’s trade passes through these oceans. “These waters must not only get better connected, but remain free from traditional and non-traditional threats, that impede free movement of people, goods and ideas.
Respect for international law, notably UNCLOS, in ensuring this is, therefore imperative,” she said. She said India and ASEAN share a common vision for global commerce and maritime domain and New Delhi looks forward to working closely with the grouping in a range of activities.
PTI