India urges Asian unity in battle against pirates
INDIA: India called Wednesday for greater regional unity to
combat the threat of piracy in Asia's busy shipping lanes as it hosted a
17-nation meeting of maritime security officials.
“India strongly believes that mutual collaboration alone is the most
effective way of ensuring the security and safety of oceans,” Defence
Minister A.K. Antony told heads of coastguard agencies from across Asia
gathered in New Delhi.
“The Indian government remains committed to the security of the
Indian Ocean region by implementing international relations and
cooperative mechanisms with (Asian) nations.” Officials at the four-day
meeting include coastguard chiefs from India's rival Pakistan as well as
from China and Japan, who are locked in a standoff over Tokyo-controlled
islands on key shipping lanes in the East China Sea.
The meeting comes amid warnings that Somali pirates-- under pressure
from navies trying to combat their hijackings off east Africa -- could
try to extend their range into the Indian Ocean.
Pirates pose particular problems for the Maldives, an Indian Ocean
archipelago of 1,192 tiny coral islands best known for its upmarket
beach resorts.
“Top priority must be accorded for the creation of safe and secure
oceans,” Antony added. AFP |