PM pitches for closer security and defence ties with Japan

Warning against "continuing threats" in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India sees Japan as a "natural and indispensable partner" in its quest for stability and peace in Asia that is washed by the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The Prime Minister also underlined the need for maritime security across the linked regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans for regional and global prosperity.

He stressed that maritime issues should be dealt according to the international law.

"Our defence and security dialogue, military exercises and defence technology collaboration should grow. We should consult and coordinate more closely in global and regional forums," Singh, who is here on a three-day visit said.

Unveiling a three-pronged strategy on the eve of his Summit meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, Singh said regional mechanisms should be strengthened to manage differences and reinforce congruence.

"There should be deeper regional economic integration and principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law should be upheld to resolve maritime issues peacefully," he said.

The remarks came amidst flexing of muscles by China in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

He said both countries should work together more purposefully to harness the potential of the seas and address common sea-based challenges such as piracy.

Addressing the Japan-India Association, Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship League and the International Friendship Exchange Council here, Singh said the Indo-Pacific region was witnessing profound social and economic changes on a scale and at a speed rarely seen in human history.