Uphold freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce across linked regions of Indian, Pacific Oceans: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said maritime security is essential for regional and global prosperity, and therefore in this context, thre is a need to uphold the principles of the freedom of navigation to allow for unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law.

Addressing the Japan-India Association here, Dr. Singh said: "We should uphold the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law, resolve maritime issues peacefully and work together more purposefully to harness the potential of the seas and address common sea-based challenges such as piracy."

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing ongoing tensions between China and its neighbouring countries like Veitnam over Beijing's claim over the South China Sea.

China and Japan are also in dispute over the Senkaku Islands.

Earlier, India and China were at loggerheads after Beijing cautioned New Delhi about undertaking maritime commerce with Vietnam in the waters of the South china Sea.

Prime Minister singh also stressed that the region faces multiple challenges, unresolved issues and unsettled questions.

"Historical differences persist despite our growing inter-dependence; prosperity has not fully eliminated disparities within and between states; and there are continuing threats to stability and security," he said.

"India and Japan are among the major actors in this region. . It is our responsibility to foster a climate of peace, stability and cooperation and to lay an enduring foundation for security and prosperity," he added.

Dr. Singh also emphasised that defence and security dialogue, military exercises and defence technology collaboration between India and Japan should grow.

He also said that both countries should consult and coordinate more closely in global and regional forums.