India Champions Sustainable Growth and Security at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2024
On October 4, 2024, New Delhi hosted the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024, where India’s commitment to a robust and sustainable Indo-Pacific was front and center. In a powerful address, Raksha Mantri outlined India’s vision for the region, rooted in Prime Minister Modi’s concept of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region. This approach emphasizes partnerships that prioritize sustainable development, economic growth, and mutual security.
India has emerged as a credible and preferred security partner in the Indo-Pacific, with Raksha Mantri highlighting that collective action and cooperation are vital for true progress. The commitment to a rule-based international order and respect for international law, especially as outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, were reaffirmed as cornerstones of India’s foreign policy.
“India consistently advocates for peaceful resolutions to disputes and aims to foster cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific,” he stated, underscoring the central role of ASEAN in promoting regional dialogue and stability. The Raksha Mantri also addressed the importance of securing vital international maritime routes, emphasizing joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives to strengthen collective maritime security.
The Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, are actively engaged in cooperative efforts, continuously enhancing regional capabilities. “Our goal for maritime cooperation does not conflict with the interests of other nations, and we must work together in a spirit of mutual respect,” he added.
Amid a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape, marked by shifting power dynamics and increasing competition for resources, the Indo-Pacific has become a critical geopolitical zone. Raksha Mantri pointed out the complexities of local tensions that have global ramifications, especially concerning marine resources.
Delving into the concept of ‘Global Commons,’ he highlighted the shared natural resources—oceans, outer space, climate, and clean air—that are vital for a sustainable future. He warned against the “tragedy of the commons,” where individual self-interest leads to the depletion of shared resources, calling for urgent international cooperation to ensure sustainable management.
“Evidence of this tragedy is already evident in environmental degradation and geopolitical tensions,” he said, urging proactive measures to mitigate potential damage. He expressed concern over attempts to monopolize critical resources for strategic purposes, advocating for peaceful coexistence and the ancient Indian philosophy of harmony with nature.
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ocean’s significance for India’s economic security. He reiterated that India’s maritime policy aims for collective prosperity, urging collaboration as the key to achieving this vision.
During the event, Raksha Mantri also unveiled a new book titled Maritime India: Temporal and Spatial Continuum, published by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), further cementing the dialogue’s focus on maritime issues.
The IPRD, an annual strategic dialogue hosted by the Indian Navy, serves as a platform to discuss the seven spokes of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). This year’s theme – Resource – Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-Pacific—shines a light on the critical pillars of marine resources and maritime security, with the NMF as its knowledge partner.
As the conference continues, the emphasis remains on fostering a collaborative environment to address the complex challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming India’s role as a leader in promoting regional stability and sustainable development.
The event was graced by the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi; Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Chairman, NMF Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd); DG, NMF Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd); senior officials of Ministry of Defence, foreign delegates and representatives of think-tanks of India and abroad.