Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) Riva Ganguly Das on Tuesday addressed the Special Session of the first edition of the Indo-Pacific Business Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with MEA and highlighted the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific in facilitating trade and connectivity in the region.
MEA spokesperson Arnidam Bagchi tweeted: "Speaking about Promoting Trade Facilitation in the Indo-Pacific through improved cross border linkages and trade infrastructure, Secretary (East) underlined the importance of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific in facilitating trade and connectivity in the region," added Mr Bagchi.
The event saw participation from Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries across the Indo-Pacific, a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states.
Secretary (East) Riva Ganguly Das also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by India including building cross-border linkages and infrastructure, promoting digital connectivity, Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), etc., informed Mr Bagchi.
The idea of the Indo-Pacific as a single strategic space is an outgrowth of China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. It signifies the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the importance of the oceans to security and commerce.
In March this year, the first summit of the leaders of the Quad (Quadrilateral Framework) was hosted by the US on a virtual platform.
The Quad is a grouping of India, the US, Australia and Japan that aims to safeguard the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
World AIDS Day 2024: Theme, Significance, History & Prevention Watch: Walt Disney World Hosts Diwali Dance Fest In US Uttarakhand Wins Best State Award In Fisheries Development Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest "Speculative, Inaccurate": Canada Factchecks Own Media, Backtracks After India's Stinker Indian Student In US Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead While Celebrating Birthday Health Benefits Of Ghee With Warm Water 10 Signs Of Mineral Deficiencies Maharashtra Assembly Election Results: When And Where To Results Live Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.