Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China during his address at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday, saying that violating long-standing agreements damages trust and confidence. He further warned the Indian Ocean countries to be wary of falling into debt traps caused by “unviable projects” and “opaque lending practices.”
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://t.co/n1yWnAAPry
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 12, 2023
Don’t Sacrifice Global Good for National Dominance
Criticising China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Jaishankar remarked that “unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects” is a significant shared concern throughout the Indian Ocean region.
He further stressed the need for India to establish a land connection to South East Asia, “a multi-modal link to the Gulf and beyond,” and better connectivity with Central Asia. “We need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while doing so,” the minister said.
The EAM said India’s priority was efficient and effective connectivity to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Targeting the Chinese violation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishankar stated, “When nations disregard their legal obligations or violate long-standing agreements, as we have seen, the damage to trust and confidence is immense.”
He said that it is essential that countries take the long view of multilateral cooperation rather than a tactical one of individual interests.
Stressing the need to secure maritime space, he further mentioned that the “global good should not be sacrificed at the altar of any national dominance.”
The first Plenary Session of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference has begun this Morning. H.E. Suresh Prabhu, Former Minister and Chairman, Governing Council, India Foundation is chairing the Session with three Ministers from different countries as speakers.#IOCDHAKA pic.twitter.com/13r2szh2mf
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh (@BDMOFA) May 13, 2023
Indo-Pacific — A Statement of Contemporary Globalisation
The minister reiterated India’s commitment to the well-being of the Indian Ocean with its participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, its Neighbourhood First Policy, and the Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR) outlook.
Highlighting the importance of the Indo-Pacific, the EAM said that the Indo-Pacific is a reality and a statement of contemporary globalisation. Jaishankar also congratulated Bangladesh for releasing its Indo-Pacific outlook.
He underscored that while the world is presently focused on the Indo-Pacific, it is vital to shed light on the countries of the Indian Ocean, which are a core constituent of the Indo-Pacific.
While noting that the developmental challenges in the Indian Ocean are distinct to the region and not shared by the Pacific countries, Jaishankar remarked that climate action and counter-terrorism are two universal concerns shared by all countries, and should be tackled accordingly.
Regarding achieving the goals of the conference, Jaishankar appreciated the support and presence of the Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopun, and the Mauritian Vice President Faisal Naseem at the meeting.