Addressing the seventh Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the necessity for heightened collaboration among nations within the Indian Ocean region to tackle a spectrum of challenges, including safeguarding sovereignty and upholding maritime laws. While his remarks did not explicitly reference China's assertive military activities, they alluded to concerns surrounding such behaviors, particularly along the Line of Actual Control.
Jaishankar articulated the need for cohesive efforts to address issues such as unsustainable debt, opaque lending practices, and unviable projects, which have raised apprehensions about countries falling into what is colloquially known as the Chinese 'debt trap'. Furthermore, he emphasized the imperative of honoring longstanding agreements, with a subtle nod to the border tensions triggered by China's disregard for existing pacts in eastern Ladakh.
Highlighting the significance of collaborative action, Jaishankar stressed the importance of greater consultation and cooperation among Indian Ocean states, particularly in light of transnational threats and non-traditional challenges. He underscored the importance of understanding and addressing the diverse range of issues facing the region, from conflicts and threats to concerns about freedom of navigation and sovereignty.
In addition to advocating for adherence to international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, Jaishankar called attention to disruptive events and their far-reaching consequences, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges.
The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), proposed by India in 2019, as a platform for managing, conserving, sustaining, and securing the maritime domain. He lauded the efforts of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in addressing various regional challenges, underscoring its role as a forum for global good.
Ultimately, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of collective self-reliance and deeper cooperation among like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region, while reaffirming support for ASEAN's central role in the regional architecture. As the Indian Ocean region navigates through its complexities, Jaishankar's call for intensified cooperation echoes the need for concerted efforts to uphold stability, security, and prosperity in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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