India today asserted that the maritime freedom cannot be exclusive prerogative of a few. It said, passage at sea should be preserved to ensure access for all. Speaking at the annual Security Forum meet in Singapore, the Defence Minister Mr.A.K. Antony said, in an era of globalisation(harmonies) and interdependence, the balance between the rights of States and the freedoms of the larger global community is vital for international trade and global security.
Morganton said this at the conference where the developments in the
South China Sea were in sharp focus. He reiterated that India has always championed and advocated adherence to the international regime which governs maritime freedoms, even while asserting its national sovereignty where it is applicable.
Speaking on Indian perspective on Protecting Maritime Freedoms, Mr. Antony said, maritime security issues have become a strategic priority for India, especially from the aspect of trade, commerce, hydrocarbon resources, terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking.
Our correspondent reports, the South China Sea is vital with about 90 per cent of the global trade moving by sea through the teeming shipping lanes in the Indian ocean and Strait of Malacca.
His reference to buildup in the South China Sea region came as the US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta announced at the conference that Washington is moving the majority of its warships into Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.
The Defence Minister referred to China by name as he, expressed concern over hike in its defence spending, but said New Delhi did not perceive Beijing as a threat.
Favouring a stable and continuous relations with the neighbour, Mr. Antony said that the two countries had started a military-to-military cooperation. The Defence Minister said, even though India does not believe in an arms race, it is strengthening capabilities on borders to protect its national interest.
Like India, Japan also expressed concern over lack of transparency in China's massive defence spending, saying this secrecy posed a threat. China's military budget jumped over 11 per cent this year to a staggering 106 billion US Dollars.
Mr. Antony also urged China and member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss and settle South China Sea disputes involving some islands among themselves.
India, he said, welcomed the efforts of the parties concerned in engaging in discussions and the recently agreed guidelines on the implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties between China and ASEAN. |
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