China In Mind, S Jaishankar Brings Up Maritime Laws, Debt At Indian Ocean Meet
NDTV
The external affairs minister spoke of confronting challenges facing countries of the Indian Ocean region.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called for shoring up engagement among countries of Indian Ocean region to confront challenges like safeguarding sovereignty, dealing with cases of disregard to maritime laws and flouting of long-standing pacts, in remarks seen as an oblique reference to China's military assertiveness including along the Line of Actual Control.
In an address at the seventh Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, he also flagged concerns over unsustainable debt, opaque lending practices, unviable projects and "injudicious" choices, in thinly veiled comments that came amid concerns over many countries falling into the Chinese 'debt trap'.
"As we gaze at the Indian Ocean, the challenges besetting the world are on full display there. At one extremity, we see conflict, threats to maritime traffic, piracy and terrorism," Mr Jaishankar said.
