Hanoi:
Warning that terrorism and piracy had reached transnational proportions, India has said both were "serious challenges" for security, peace and trade in the Asia-Pacific region and sought development of synergy and institutionalised cooperative arrangements to tackle them.
At the first-ever ASEAN-Plus Eight Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Hanoi, Defence Minister A K Antony said Asia in general, and South East Asia in particular, learnt through harsh ways the various forms such challenges took.
"The growth of terrorism, the growing role of non-state actors and cyber threats are markers in the evolution of the global security construct during the last decade or so... Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community, as we have witnessed in the Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas," Antony said.
Expressing India's commitment to work with other powers of the region and the world to meet the twin challenges, he said, "Asia has been the theatre for the unfolding of many of these developments. Given the transnational nature of the challenges, it is important to develop synergy and build institutionalised cooperative arrangements."
Noting that India was participating in two projects with the countries along Malacca straits within the framework of International Maritime Organisation to improve the safety of navigation in this region, he said the Indian Navy was conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now.
"The security of sea lanes of communication is vital in today's world. It is in the common interest of nations to keep sea lanes open, secure and free for navigation, trade and energy supplies. India is committed to working together with other countries in the efforts to address piracy," he said.
Pointing out that the security of sea lanes was important for Asia-Pacific region, being one of the key drivers of global economic growth, Antony said through the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Malacca Straits mechanisms, India was partnering with other countries in the region to improve the safety of navigation.
"Cooperative approaches on maritime security would offer benefits for the region as a whole," he said.
The ADMM Plus forum has for the first time brought together the defence establishments of all the key nations in the region with the objective of addressing non-traditional security challenges.
Complimenting the ASEAN for the effort, Antony welcomed the Hanoi Joint Declaration, saying it provided a viable framework for multilateral defence and security dialogue and cooperation in the region.
He extended New Delhi's support for the five priority areas identified for cooperation and the idea of having expert groups to develop cooperation in these areas.
"India looks forward to contributing to the deliberations and activities of each of these groups," he said.