News Analysis India

Tag: Indo-Pacific

  • Indo-Pacific facing complex web of security challenges, says Rajnath at conference of army chiefs

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach.

    Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles — ‘Circle of Concern’ and ‘Circle of Influence’.

    “There may be instances when the ‘Circle of Concern’ of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples,” he said.

    “This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation,” he added.

    To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation.

    He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which  establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping ‘Circles of Concern’ of different nations.

    Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their ‘Circle of Influence’ to promote national interests on the global stage.

    ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow

    “This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our ‘Circle of Influence’ while harmonising the overlaps of our ‘Circle of Concern’,” he added.

    The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region.

    Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific.

    The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific.

    The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world’s population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade.

    Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: “This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority…. That’s why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific…”

    “What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here,” the US Army chief added further.

    The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September.

    In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: “Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak… It’s not… this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries.”

    Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: “Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing…the theme of this year’s event ‘together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region’ resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations.”

    “The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today’s world,” he added.

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach.

    Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles — ‘Circle of Concern’ and ‘Circle of Influence’.

    “There may be instances when the ‘Circle of Concern’ of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation,” he added.

    To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation.

    He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which  establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping ‘Circles of Concern’ of different nations.

    Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their ‘Circle of Influence’ to promote national interests on the global stage.

    ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow

    “This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our ‘Circle of Influence’ while harmonising the overlaps of our ‘Circle of Concern’,” he added.

    The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region.

    Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific.

    The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific.

    The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world’s population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade.

    Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: “This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority…. That’s why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific…”

    “What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here,” the US Army chief added further.

    The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September.

    In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: “Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak… It’s not… this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries.”

    Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: “Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing…the theme of this year’s event ‘together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region’ resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations.”

    “The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today’s world,” he added.

  • India, ASEAN first naval exercise today

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In the process to take India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship to the next level Admiral R Hari Kumar, Indian Navy chief, reached Singapore on Monday to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023).

    The AIME-2023, scheduled to be held in two phases from May 2 -8 and two Indian Naval Ships (INSs) Satpura and Delhi also reached Singapore on Monday, to participate in the exercise. The Indian Navy said, “The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from May 2 to 4 and the Sea Phase will be conducted from May 7 to 8 in the South China Sea.”

    The exercise will provide “an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain,” the Navy added.

    The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference being hosted by Singapore.

    INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

    NEW DELHI:  In the process to take India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship to the next level Admiral R Hari Kumar, Indian Navy chief, reached Singapore on Monday to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023).

    The AIME-2023, scheduled to be held in two phases from May 2 -8 and two Indian Naval Ships (INSs) Satpura and Delhi also reached Singapore on Monday, to participate in the exercise. The Indian Navy said, “The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from May 2 to 4 and the Sea Phase will be conducted from May 7 to 8 in the South China Sea.”

    The exercise will provide “an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain,” the Navy added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference being hosted by Singapore.

    INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

  • EAM Jaishankar dials US Secretary of State Blinken to discuss regional and global issues

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Sunday discussing global and regional matters.

    “A warm conversation as always with Secretary Blinken. We discussed current regional and global issues and noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties,” the External Affairs Minister tweeted.

    A warm conversation, as always with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this morning.Discussed current regional and global issues. Noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties.

    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 16, 2023

    Earlier in March, both leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. They had discussed measures to mitigate the global impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    During the meeting, Blinken spoke to Jaishankar and shared his views on tackling global and regional challenges. In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said that Blinken met with Jaishankar to discuss how India and the US can expand technology and defence cooperation and increase food energy, and health security.

    Jaishankar had just concluded his visit to Uganda and Mozambique on Saturday, while Blinken completed his first visit to Vietnam, where he spoke about the US’s commitment to elevate the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and work together towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    The US has always spoken about strengthening the Indo-Pacific with India as a steady partner. With the Chinese built up around Taiwan and US’s constant support to Taiwan tension is building up around that area.

    Meanwhile, Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific Coordinator of the US National Security Council, on Saturday, talked about strong people-to-people ties between India and the US. He said that the relations between the two nations will get better in the future.

    “There is no stronger people-to-people ties between any country that the US enjoys with India. We have built a stronger relationship and the situation will only get better, it will get stronger and deeper,” Campbell said while addressing a gathering of hundreds of Indian Americans at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.

    (With inputs from ANI)

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Sunday discussing global and regional matters.

    “A warm conversation as always with Secretary Blinken. We discussed current regional and global issues and noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties,” the External Affairs Minister tweeted.

    A warm conversation, as always with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this morning.
    Discussed current regional and global issues. Noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 16, 2023

    Earlier in March, both leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. They had discussed measures to mitigate the global impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    During the meeting, Blinken spoke to Jaishankar and shared his views on tackling global and regional challenges. In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said that Blinken met with Jaishankar to discuss how India and the US can expand technology and defence cooperation and increase food energy, and health security.

    Jaishankar had just concluded his visit to Uganda and Mozambique on Saturday, while Blinken completed his first visit to Vietnam, where he spoke about the US’s commitment to elevate the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and work together towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    The US has always spoken about strengthening the Indo-Pacific with India as a steady partner. With the Chinese built up around Taiwan and US’s constant support to Taiwan tension is building up around that area.

    Meanwhile, Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific Coordinator of the US National Security Council, on Saturday, talked about strong people-to-people ties between India and the US. He said that the relations between the two nations will get better in the future.

    “There is no stronger people-to-people ties between any country that the US enjoys with India. We have built a stronger relationship and the situation will only get better, it will get stronger and deeper,” Campbell said while addressing a gathering of hundreds of Indian Americans at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Canada calls India a crucial Pacific partner

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Canada has called India a crucial partner in the Indo- Pacific and it says the Indo-Pacific will play a significant role in its future. The references have been made in a document on the Indo-Pacific document released by Canada on Monday.

    Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada, released the Indo-Pacific Strategy document. “This strategy presents a comprehensive roadmap to deepen our engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade, increasing our contributions to regional peace and security, strengthening economic growth and resilience, enhancing our significant people-to-people ties, and supporting sustainable development across the region,” she said.

    As a Pacific nation, Canada recognises that the Indo-Pacific region will play a significant and profound role in Canada’s future. Every issue that matters to Canadians-national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law and human rights, democratic values, public health, protecting our environment-will be shaped by the relationships that Canada, along with its partners, have with countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    Decisions made in the region will impact Canadians for generations, and it is critical that Canada be at the table.Canada is looking at partnering with India across other segments, besides promoting trade, student intake, tourism and Free Trade Agreement. Canada has also termed China as increasingly disruptive global partner.

    ‘FTA with India, eye on disruptive China’Canada is looking at partnering with India across other segments, besides promoting trade, student intake, tourism and Free Trade Agreement. Canada has also termed China as increasingly disruptive global partner

    NEW DELHI: Canada has called India a crucial partner in the Indo- Pacific and it says the Indo-Pacific will play a significant role in its future. The references have been made in a document on the Indo-Pacific document released by Canada on Monday.

    Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada, released the Indo-Pacific Strategy document. “This strategy presents a comprehensive roadmap to deepen our engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade, increasing our contributions to regional peace and security, strengthening economic growth and resilience, enhancing our significant people-to-people ties, and supporting sustainable development across the region,” she said.

    As a Pacific nation, Canada recognises that the Indo-Pacific region will play a significant and profound role in Canada’s future. Every issue that matters to Canadians-national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law and human rights, democratic values, public health, protecting our environment-will be shaped by the relationships that Canada, along with its partners, have with countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    Decisions made in the region will impact Canadians for generations, and it is critical that Canada be at the table.Canada is looking at partnering with India across other segments, besides promoting trade, student intake, tourism and Free Trade Agreement. Canada has also termed China as increasingly disruptive global partner.

    ‘FTA with India, eye on disruptive China’
    Canada is looking at partnering with India across other segments, besides promoting trade, student intake, tourism and Free Trade Agreement. Canada has also termed China as increasingly disruptive global partner

  • Jaishankar and UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific situation 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Ukraine conflict and the situation in Indo-Pacific figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and visiting British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Saturday.

    It is learnt that the two sides also took stock of the ongoing negotiations for the proposed Indo-UK free trade agreement.

    Cleverly arrived in India on Friday on a two-day visit primarily to attend a special meeting of the UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee.

    It is the first visit by a top-ranking official from Britain after Rishi Sunak took charge as the UK’s first Indian-origin prime minister on Tuesday.

    “Delighted to welcome UK Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly on his first India visit; shortly after our meeting in New York last month,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    Delighted to welcome UK Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly on his first India visit; shortly after our meeting in New York last month.Noted the progress in our Roadmap 2030. Also discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/LCmYJPGGFr
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2022
    “Noted the progress in our Roadmap 2030. Also discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

    During the visit, the British foreign secretary announced further collaboration between the UK and India through British International Investment.

    This included 11 million pounds of UK funding invested in Kinara Capital, a woman-led fintech company, according to the British High Commission.

    British International Investment is designed to strengthen trade ties with the UK’s partners and generate economic growth.

    The high commission said Cleverly also announced a 22 million pounds investment by the UK-backed Neev II Fund into Hygenco which will help India’s green energy transition by pioneering green hydrogen.

    India hosted the meeting of the UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee in its capacity as its chair.

    While the first day’s meeting took place in Mumbai on Friday, the second day’s deliberations were in Delhi on Saturday.

    The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then British counterpart Boris Johnson in May last year.

    At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.

    The two sides are also carrying out negotiations for the early finalisation of the free trade agreement.

    In April, the two sides had set a Diwali deadline for concluding the FTA but the deal could not be finalised in view of differences over certain issues as well as political developments in the UK.

    On the sidelines of the UN meeting, Jaishankar also met the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy and Albania’s Deputy foreign Minister Albania Megi Fino.

    “So nice to meet with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy. Her participation at the UNSC special meeting reflects the trust of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussed shared threat terrorism poses to the world and the global responses,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    So nice to meet with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy. Her participation at the UNSC special meeting reflects the trust of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Discussed shared threat terrorism poses to the world and the global responses. pic.twitter.com/nwFItR8GV6
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2022
    On his meeting with Megi, he said the full potential of the bilateral relationship was discussed.

    “A good meeting with Megi Fino, Deputy FM of Albania. Her participation at the UNSC special  meeting reflects our excellent coop’n during our UNSC tenure.Discussed exploring the full potential of our bilateral relationship. We will also cooperate closely in multilateral forums,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: The Ukraine conflict and the situation in Indo-Pacific figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and visiting British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Saturday.

    It is learnt that the two sides also took stock of the ongoing negotiations for the proposed Indo-UK free trade agreement.

    Cleverly arrived in India on Friday on a two-day visit primarily to attend a special meeting of the UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee.

    It is the first visit by a top-ranking official from Britain after Rishi Sunak took charge as the UK’s first Indian-origin prime minister on Tuesday.

    “Delighted to welcome UK Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly on his first India visit; shortly after our meeting in New York last month,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    Delighted to welcome UK Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly on his first India visit; shortly after our meeting in New York last month.
    Noted the progress in our Roadmap 2030. Also discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/LCmYJPGGFr
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2022
    “Noted the progress in our Roadmap 2030. Also discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

    During the visit, the British foreign secretary announced further collaboration between the UK and India through British International Investment.

    This included 11 million pounds of UK funding invested in Kinara Capital, a woman-led fintech company, according to the British High Commission.

    British International Investment is designed to strengthen trade ties with the UK’s partners and generate economic growth.

    The high commission said Cleverly also announced a 22 million pounds investment by the UK-backed Neev II Fund into Hygenco which will help India’s green energy transition by pioneering green hydrogen.

    India hosted the meeting of the UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee in its capacity as its chair.

    While the first day’s meeting took place in Mumbai on Friday, the second day’s deliberations were in Delhi on Saturday.

    The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then British counterpart Boris Johnson in May last year.

    At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.

    The two sides are also carrying out negotiations for the early finalisation of the free trade agreement.

    In April, the two sides had set a Diwali deadline for concluding the FTA but the deal could not be finalised in view of differences over certain issues as well as political developments in the UK.

    On the sidelines of the UN meeting, Jaishankar also met the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy and Albania’s Deputy foreign Minister Albania Megi Fino.

    “So nice to meet with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy. Her participation at the UNSC special meeting reflects the trust of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussed shared threat terrorism poses to the world and the global responses,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    So nice to meet with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy. Her participation at the UNSC special meeting reflects the trust of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
    Discussed shared threat terrorism poses to the world and the global responses. pic.twitter.com/nwFItR8GV6
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2022
    On his meeting with Megi, he said the full potential of the bilateral relationship was discussed.

    “A good meeting with Megi Fino, Deputy FM of Albania. Her participation at the UNSC special  meeting reflects our excellent coop’n during our UNSC tenure.Discussed exploring the full potential of our bilateral relationship. We will also cooperate closely in multilateral forums,” he said.

  • Jaishankar begins 3-day visit to France; to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific

    By ANI

    PARIS: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday began his three-day visit to France during which he will attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid Chinese assertiveness in the region.

    During his visit, Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

    Jaishankar will attend the EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22, an initiative of the French Presidency of the European Council.

    EAM will also hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from EU and other Indo-Pacific countries on the sidelines of the Forum. He will also give an address at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI).

    “EAM Jaishankar begins his 3-day visit to France, a key strategic partner; he will attend the EU Ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, hold bilateral meetings with @JY_LeDrian and @florence_parly, interact with think tanks and chair India Heads of Missions in EU Conference,” India in France wrote in a tweet.

    Meanwhile, China has formed 3,200 acres of artificial land in the South China Sea, raised an airstrip with the capacity to land fighter jets and large commercial planes, built 72 fighter-jet hangers, and commissioned 10-12 large aircraft on Fiery Cross, Subi, and Mischief Reefs in the Spratly Islands. It has made military installations in the Woody Island of the Paracel Islands.

    The construction of these artificial islands is in clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, of which China is also a signatory.

    This visit comes after Jaishankar participated in Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2022 in Germany and held a series of meeting with ministers from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.

  • Denying Indo-Pacific is tantamount to denying globalisation, says EAM Jaishankar

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: As globalisation advances and becomes more diversified, there will only be a greater appreciation of the inter-dependence and broader footprints that the Indo-Pacific expresses, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

    “Given this direction, denying the Indo-Pacific is tantamount to denying globalisation,” he said at a conference.

    The external affairs ministers said that the Indo-Pacific is a “fact of life” and the question of convergence is, therefore, more of perception than of reality.

    “Even those who ostensibly have reservations behave and operate in a manner that validates the Indo-Pacific. And that validation, as you all know, is in its very seamlessness and inter-penetration,” he said.

    “In truth, everybody is aware that there is a fusion of theatres that were unnaturally separated earlier.

    The politics of the day apparently creates some reluctance in admitting to that,” Jaishankar said.

    He was speaking at the third Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) organised by the National Maritime Foundation.

    In his remarks, he also mentioned divergences of views on the Indo-Pacific.

    “The answer is probably in the mindset, possibly even in their insecurities. If one is steeped in the ethos of the Cold War and even leveraged it to advantage, it is not easy to accept that others can approach the world very differently,” he said.

    “Especially if the objective is to create a wider, more collaborative and more democratic approach to achieve the common good,” he added.

    Jaishankar also talked about de-risking the world from “concentrated production” and “fragile supply chains”.

    “What then are the expectations of the Indo-Pacific? Most of all, the likelihood that policies of states which overcome psychological limitations create more opportunities for cooperation,” he said.

    Not just that, also the possibility that such endeavours that would involve greater participants would be based more on respect for laws, rules and norms, he said, “This is all the more important when, in the post-COVID era, we all seek to de-risk the world from concentrated production and fragile supply chains,” he added.

    Amid China’s muscle-flexing in the region, several countries around the world have come out with vision documents and strategies to ensure a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    “In the domain of international relations, it is natural that new concepts take time to be digested.

    To facilitate that process, it is also important to show an openness of mind and acceptance that there can be many pathways to approach the Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar said.

  • India, Australia hold inaugural ‘2+2’ talks to strengthen defence, strategic cooperation

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural ‘two-plus-two’ talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

    The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

    While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the ‘two-plus-two’ dialogue.

    Had a very fruitful discussion with the Defence Minister of Australia, Mr Peter Dutton on the bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues.Both of us are keen to work jointly to realize the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. pic.twitter.com/IDuYWuPObV
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 10, 2021
    In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their “common concerns” relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

    The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

    In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved “swiftly” and very “effectively” and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

    Talking about “significant challenges” facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no “single dominant power” dictates the outcome for others.

    Delighted to welcome my good friend FM @MarisePayne of Australia.We now start our discussions. pic.twitter.com/jhI6mwhybM
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 11, 2021
    The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries.

    India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

    In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

    The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

  • Trump presents Legion of Merit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    US President Donald Trump on Monday merged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in enhancing the strategic partnership of both the prestigious army and for India’s rise as a global power.
    India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu accepted the award on behalf of the Prime Minister from US National Security Advisor Robert O. Bryan at the White House.
    O’Brien said in a tweet, “President Trump” presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in enhancing the US-India strategic partnership. “
    Modi was presented with the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit which is given only to the head of state or the government.
    He was given the award in recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and enhanced strategic partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges.
    O’Brien said in another tweet that Trump also presented a Merit of Legion to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. The awards were received by their respective ambassadors in Washington DC.
    President Trump said, “Honored the lease of merit to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his leadership and vision for an independent and open Indo-Pacific.”
    Trump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security.
    The United States is the latest country to award its highest award to the Indian Prime Minister.
    Other awards include the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud in Saudi Arabia 2016, Ghazi’s State Order of Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), Grand Caller of Palestine Award of the Kingdom (201 (), Order of Zayed Award (2019) by the United Arab Emirates ), Order of St. Andrew by Russia (2019), Order of District Rule of Nishaman Izzuddin by Maldives (2019).

  • India, Britain and America will form new alliance to make China sleepy

    To surround China, now India (India), Britain and America are going to do something after which the dragon’s senses will fly away. India, Britain and the United States are going to form a new alliance to surround China. Explain that the US and Britain are openly opposing China’s expansionist policies. At the same time, relations between India, US and Britain have strengthened significantly since the arrival of the Modi government at the Center.

    For this reason, both these countries are also giving special importance to India in their foreign policy to establish the balance of power in South Asia. After including India in the G-7 meeting, both these countries are also going to form an alliance called D-10 (Democracy-10) in the coming days. The special thing is that the world’s 10 largest democratic countries will be included in this alliance.