Expressing concern over the rising incidents of terrorism in recent times, the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated that non-traditional threats and terrorism remained the foremost challenges to South East Asia region. He stressed the need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks. Parrikar was delivering his keynote address at the 20th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – Heads of Defence Universities/Colleges/Institutions Meet (HDUCIM) hosted by the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence.

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 as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He remarked, India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Indian Ocean as captured in the acronym SAGAR, or Security and Growth for the Region, shows India’s approach to the broader Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

The Defence Minister further stated that India is not only committed to safeguard its land and maritime territories and interests, but will also make its capabilities available to other regional countries. He exhorted member countries to increase the dynamism and efficiency of the ARF and enhance cooperation on multinational responses to non-traditional security challenges including climate change, space and cyber security.

The three-day meet was attended by representatives of 23 member nations and organisations including China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, EU and ASEAN Secretariat. India last hosted the meet in October 2003 in New Delhi. The main theme of discussion at the meet will be ‘Transformation of Military Education to Meet the Challenges of 21st Century’. Lt General N.S. Ghei, Commandant, NDC, chaired the meet along with his Philippines counterpart Ronaldo G. Jungo, Director, National Defence College of Philippines, as co-chair.