Article Posted on : - Sep 26, 2023

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George and others at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference (IPACC), in New Delhi on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo: PTI)

NEW DELHI (PTI): India's outlook for Indo-Pacific emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande said on Tuesday, amid growing global concerns over China's aggressive military muscle-flexing in the region.

In an address at a conclave of Army Chiefs of Indo-Pacific nations, Gen Pande also said that India's commitment towards positively engaging all stakeholders in the region has been unwavering and enduring.

India's vision for Indo-Pacific emphasises peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use of force, and adherence to international laws, he said.

"While efforts by countries are converging towards a free Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of interstate contestations and competitions," the Indian Army Chief added.

The Army Chief further noted that "challenges we face transcend across borders and our response to them must factor in this".

Emphasising the importance of the Indo-Pacific, Gen Pande said the region is not merely a collection of nations but it is a web of inter-dependencies.

"We are aiming to build trust and strengthen cooperation," he said.