Nov 14, 2010

Maritime Security Route to Defence Cooperation in South East Asia

        The Defence Minister Mr AK Antony called for adoption of ‘cooperative approaches’ for ensuring the security of sea lanes in the Asia-Pacific Region. Addressing the first ever ASEAN Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi during the month, Mr Antony said India is participating in two projects together with the Malacca countries, within the framework of IMO, to improve the safety of navigation in this region. He said the Indian Navy is conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now. Mr Antony said Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community and expressed India’s commitment to work together with other countries to address piracy.“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. Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community, as we have witnessed in the Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas. The Indian Navy is actively engaged in providing anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now. India is committed to working together with other countries in the efforts to address piracy.

The ADMM Plus forum has for the first time brought together the defence establishments of all the key nations in the region with the objective of addressing non-traditional security challenges. He called for the development of synergy to counter such challenges. “The growth of terrorism, the growing role of non-state actors, cyber threats etc are markers in the evolution of the global security construct during the last decade or so. 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 institutionalized cooperative arrangements”, he said. Mr Antony welcomed the Hanoi Joint Declaration, saying, it provides a viable framework for multilateral defence and security dialogue and cooperation in the region. He extended New Delhi’s support for the five priority areas identified for cooperation and the idea of having expert groups to develop cooperation in these areas. “India looks forward to contributing to the deliberations and activities of each of these Groups”, he said. [Based on MOD India Press Release].

Staying with South East Asia, India Vietnam cooperation is likely to go up with India helping Vietnam in capacity building for repair and maintenance of its platforms. This was discussed during the visit of the Indian Defence Minister to Vietnam during October. Armies of the two countries will also cooperate in areas like IT and English Training for Vietnamese Army personnel. Both the armies will also have a joint training exercise in mountain and jungle warfare in India next year. The two sides will work towards developing cooperation among defence institutes and establishing linkages for sharing experience and knowledge. Mr Antony also offered assistance to Vietnamese Forces in UN Peacekeeping operations, in which India has vast experience. Mr Antony said Vietnam occupies a strategic position in New Delhi’s policy priorities, both bilaterally as well as under its ‘Look East Policy’. [Based on MOD India Press Release].

Indo Vietnam cooperation has many dimensions but the main one being the constant threat both feel from China as they have suffered from a Chinese offensive India way back in 1962 and Vietnam in a brief but bloody border war fought in 1979. Recent Chinese expansion in the South China Sea has raised concerns for Vietnam. Similarly Chinese expansion of rail links in Tibet and extending right up to Arunachal Pradesh has raised concern in the Indian security planners of proximity of threats to the country. Beijing is planning to construct a rail link up to Nyangtri -- located on the border with Arunachal Pradesh and an area that China claims as its own. Nyangtri is also the site where the Brahmaputra is proposed to be diverted northwards by the Chinese. The Chinese claim that the Nyangtri or Nyingchi prefecture includes some parts of Arunachal Pradesh.  All this will add to the impetus for India and Vietnam to come closer and the defence partnership is aimed at this direction with the focus now being multi service. Vietnam is also likely to provide some assistance in jungle warfare training where it has got the expertise.

NOV 2010

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