NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday outlined India’s vision for a rules-based Asia and world amid emerging geo-political and geo-economic faultlines.
“The 21st century is being hailed as the Asian century and CICA can surely play a useful role in promoting peace, security and development in Asia,” Jaishankar said in his address at at 5th CICA Summit 2019 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
“This is important today because the world has been witnessing far-reaching geo-strategic changes, which have also impacted on the peace and security in Asia.”
“Globalisation is under stress due to new and emerging geo-political and geo-economic faultlines. India supports a rule-based order in Asia, as in the rest of the world. But we confront unavoidable challenges such as terrorism, conflicts, trans-national crimes and maritime threats,” the Minister pointed out.
Indicating India as the link between Eurasia to Indian-Pacific Oceans, the Minister noted, “India’s vision of Indo-Pacific, as outlined by Prime Minister Modi in Singapore in June 2018, is rooted in advocacy of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region. It is in sync with the theme of this Summit “Shared Vision for a Secure and More Prosperous CICA Region”.
“There are also issues of sustainable development including the lack of energy security, low intra-regional trade and deficit of connectivity. These must be urgently remedied for our common good.”
“Terrorism is the gravest threat that we face in Asia today. Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated. CICA has always shown a strong commitment to combat terrorism and extremism and adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism. Early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, proposed by India, is today even more essential and we seek your support in this regard,” Jaishankar urged.
“In Afghanistan, we have supported a national peace and reconciliation process, which is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We believe all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected Government.”
“..:the recent India-Central Asia 5 Ministerial dialogue is a very positive development that can only enhance further cooperations and stability across our regions. Regional connectivity initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity can boost trade and play a pivotal role in bringing prosperity and development to the region. India for its part will always support these such regional connectivity initiatives.”
The lack of energy security has emerged as another key developmental challenge. India has supported a better dialogue between consumers and producers for a stable energy market and for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, the Minister noted.
“India’s initiative of International Solar Alliance has received overwhelming support; 74 countries have signed the Framework Agreement. Developing renewable energy will be a great contribution to the security and stability of Asia and I invite CICA members who have not joined the Alliance to do so.”
Indicating India as the link between Eurasia to Indian-Pacific Oceans, the Minister noted, “India’s vision of Indo-Pacific, as outlined by Prime Minister Modi in Singapore in June 2018, is rooted in advocacy of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region. It is in sync with the theme of this Summit “Shared Vision for a Secure and More Prosperous CICA Region”.
“India will continue to actively participate in the CICA Processes. We are confident that the CICA would continue to evolve into a balanced, open and inclusive framework for Asian countries to interact and cooperate in addressing multi-faceted challenges, acting in accordance with our common vision for a more secure and prosperous Asia,” suggested Jaishankar.
Source: ET
Image Courtesy: ET
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