New Delhi, Jun 2 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony today said contentious issues relating to maritime domain should only be 'resolved through the process of dialogue, consensus building and within the framework of accepted principles of international law'.
Addressing the 11th Asia Security Summit, also known as Shangri La Dialogue, in Singapore, Antony said the international community must "remain sensitive to the problems of smaller nations and ensure that their rights, as equal members of the global community, are not overlooked or compromised."
He said the spirit of cooperation among international community shown in anti-piracy measures can be extended to "de-conflict contentious maritime issues".
Antony said, unlike in the previous centuries, maritime freedoms cannot be the exclusive prerogative of a few.
"Large parts of the common seas cannot be declared exclusive to any one country or group. We must find the balance between the rights of nations and the freedoms of the world community in the maritime domain. Like individual freedoms, the fullness of maritime freedoms can be realized only when all states, big and small, are willing to abide by universally agreed laws and principles", he said.
Commenting on the South China Sea issue, Antony said, India has welcomed the efforts of the parties concerned in engaging in discussions.
"New Delhi has also welcomed the recently agreed guidelines on the implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties between China and the ASEAN. We hope that the issues will be resolved through dialogue and negotiations," he said.
Outlining India's security concerns, Antony said it is intimately tied to the security and prosperity of the extended Indian Ocean Region, which also includes the Asia Pacific region.
Turning to piracy, Antony said the menace needs to be thwarted and suppressed by robust anti-piracy operations, as well as through speedy prosecution of the guilty. (ANI)
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