IOR Defense Ministers stress importance of peace, security in Indian Ocean
(VOVWORLD) - Defense cooperation is important in maintaining security and peace in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), Indonesian Defense Deputy Minister M. Herindra said during an online IOR Defense Minister Conclave on Thursday.
 Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh delivers the keynote address at the Indian Ocean Region Defense Ministers' Conclave on the sidelines of Aero India 2021, in Bengaluru, Feb. 4, 2021 (PTI Photo) |
Mr. Herindra said the IOR Defense Minister Conclave is an important strategic forum to increase regional peace and security cooperation, particularly amid the increasing complexity of challenges and threats in the Indo-Pacific region. He said improving the welfare of countries in the region largely depends on peace and security as the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken their economic capabilities.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the negative impact of conflicting claims in some maritime areas of the world has shown how important it is to ensure that the Indian Ocean remains peaceful and optimally harnessed for the benefit of all nations in the region. He said he supports compliance with international law for regional stability and security.