He pointed out that states must recognize that global issues involve multiple stakeholders.
New Delhi:
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for “collective efforts” to tackle the complexities of the Indo-Pacific and ensure a future marked by prosperity, security and inclusivity in the region.
Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC), Mr Singh pointed out that states must recognize that global challenges involve multiple stakeholders and that no country can tackle these challenges in isolation.
His comments came amid growing global concerns over China’s aggressive military behavior in the Indo-Pacific.
The Defense Minister said peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific can be achieved in line with the ancient Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family).
Delegates from over 30 countries are attending the conference organized by the Indian Army.
Mr Singh emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is no longer a maritime construct, but a fully-fledged geostrategic construct, and the region faces a complex web of security challenges, including border disputes and piracy.
He explained his vision for the region using a theoretical model by the American author Stephen R. Covey, which is based on two circles: ‘Circle of Concern’ and ‘Circle of Influence’.
“There may be cases where the ‘Circle of Concern’ of different countries overlap. International maritime trade routes that pass through the high seas, outside 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 determining the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underlines the importance of strategic thinking and prioritization,” he added.
Mr Singh pointed out that States must recognize that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and that no country can tackle these challenges alone.
He emphasized the need to engage with the broader international community and work together through diplomacy, international organizations and treaties to address common challenges within the overlapping ‘Circle of Concern’.
He cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a good example of such an international agreement that sets the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from the overlapping ‘Circle of Concern’ from different countries.
Mr Singh opined that states should simultaneously identify and seek to expand their ‘Circle of Influence’ to advance national interests on the global stage.
This, he said, could involve building partnerships, participating in regional organizations and strategically using diplomatic, economic or military instruments.
“This conference is an exercise in which we all seek to expand our ‘Circle of Influence’ while at the same time harmonizing the overlaps of our ‘Circle of Concern’,” he added.
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