TIA NEWS
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has called upon ASEAN countries to fight terrorism in every form resolutely. Addressing the 20th ASEAN Regional Forum in New Delhi today, Mr Parrikar expressed concern over the rising incidents of terrorism in recent times and said that non-traditional threats and terrorism remained the foremost challenges to South East Asia. He stressed the need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimize it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate without any reservation to locate and destroy terrorist networks.
The Minister referred to the maritime domain as a key enabler of prosperity that has a wide spectrum of threats. He reiterated India’s support for freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principle of international law. Mr Parrikar remarked, India believes that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force.
The Minister further stated that India is not only committed to safeguard its land and maritime territories, but will also make its capabilities available to other regional countries. He exhorted member nations to increase the dynamism and efficiency of the ASEAN Regional Forum and enhance cooperation on multi-national responses to non-traditional security challenges including “climate change, space and cyber security”.
The three-day meet is being attended by representatives of 23 countries and organisations including China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, EU and ASEAN Secretariat. The main theme of discussion is transformation of military education to meet the challenges of 21st Century.