Global cooperation needed to combat terrorism,piracy: Antony

A K Antony said Asia in general,and SE Asia in particular,learnt through harsh ways the various forms these challenges took.

Warning that terrorism and piracy had reached transnational proportions,India on Tuesday said both were “serious challenges” for security,peace and trade in the Asia-Pacific region and sought development of synergy and institutionalised cooperative arrangements to tackle them.

At the first-ever ASEAN-Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) here,Defence Minister A K Antony said Asia in general,and South East Asia in particular,learnt through harsh ways the various forms such challenges took.

“The growth of terrorism,the growing role of non-state actors and cyber threats are markers in the evolution of the global security construct during the last decade or so… Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community,as we have witnessed in the Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas,” Antony said.

Expressing India’s commitment to work with other powers of the region and the world to meet the twin challenges,he said,”Asia has been the theatre for the unfolding of many of these developments. Given the transnational nature of the challenges,it is important to develop synergy and build institutionalised cooperative arrangements.”

Noting that India was participating in two projects with the countries along Malacca straits within the framework of International Maritime Organisation to improve the safety of navigation in this region,he said the Indian Navy was conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now.

“The security of sea lanes of communication is vital in today’s world. It is in the common interest of nations to keep sea lanes open,secure and free for navigation,trade and energy supplies. India is committed to working together with other countries in the efforts to address piracy,” he said.

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