Defence Minister A.K. Antony was at Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore, on June 2, 2012, wherein he spoke on “Protecting Maritime Freedoms”. Excerpts:

• The revival of the concept of ‘Open Seas’ gained relevance when the needs of the Industrial Revolution in the West had to be fuelled by supplies from Asia and Africa.
• Unlike in the previous centuries, maritime freedoms cannot be the exclusive prerogative of a few.
• It has been widely recognised that maritime security is an indispensable and fundamental condition for the welfare and economic security of this region and the global community.
• In the 21st century, it is important to reaffirm the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation for all.
• India’s own security and prosperity is intimately tied to the security and prosperity of the extended Indian Ocean region, which also includes the Asia Pacific region.
• The seas around us are now believed to have substantial hydrocarbon potential and we will seek to increase our investments in the exploration of our maritime domain.
• Given India’s geographical location, the evolving asymmetric threats of maritime terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking, maritime security issues have become a strategic priority for us.
• As a matter of national policy, India has always championed and advocated adherence to the international regime which governs maritime freedoms.
• In our own case, particularly in the aftermath of the Mumbai attack, we have taken a number of measures to develop our coastal and maritime security capabilities.
• In this connection, keeping in view the issues which have arisen with regard to the South China Sea, India has welcomed the efforts of the parties concerned in engaging in discussions and the recently agreed guidelines on the implementation of the 2002.