Kochi (March 23, 2023): India-UK International Conference on Prospects of Indo-Pacific Region The India-UK International Conference, organized by the Center for Public Policy Research in Kochi in collaboration with the British High Commission in India, will focus on trade, market opportunities and security, blue economy, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Issues such as exchange of resources were also discussed. The conference assessed that there is a move to gain hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region and that India and other like-minded countries can work together to preserve a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Malayalam Manorama resident editor R Prasannan inaugurated the international conference. CPPR Chairman D Dhanuraj welcomed. British High Commission New Delhi Political Department Head David White, Western Naval Command Former Commander in Chief Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Southern Naval Command Former Commander Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, Indian Coast Guard Former Director General Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defense (Navy) Naval Operations Judge Advocate Lt. Commander Abhimanyu Rathore, The Hindu International Affairs Editor Dr. Stanley Johny and others participated. The speakers highlighted the growing relationship between India and the UK, the aim of doubling trade, etc.
“Controlling our maritime domain is very difficult because it is very powerful for a country. Its peace is important to us, especially when we work in the Eastern Seaboard. India is doing well in maritime trade and security with Oman, Singapore, France and Madagascar. By building a regional partnership with other continents We can solve problems.” Malayalam Manorama resident editor R Prasannan said.
“In addition to strategic and economic partnership in trade and defence, India and the UK also have deep political ties. It is very important to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Both countries are trying to enhance mutual cooperation by progressing the Free Trade Agreement negotiations,” CPPR Chairman D Dhanuraj said.
In recent years, the conference has brought forward a stronger India-UK relationship in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. The conference reviewed partnerships in the areas of trade, investment, defence, security cooperation and climate change. The emphasis on the Indo-Pacific is part of the UK government’s diplomatic and defense policies. In several areas, this includes establishing stronger ties with India. The aim is to create a comprehensive partnership with the aim of improving India-UK bilateral relations by 2030. The Indo-Pacific region, which stretches from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of America, has become the focus of attention of both countries, other countries and international organizations.
Recognizing the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region as an economic and strategic powerhouse, India and the UK have increased their activities in the Indo-Pacific in recent years. Both countries have expressed their commitment to promoting stability, security and prosperity in the region and have taken steps to deepen their cooperation in various areas including defence, trade and maritime security.