Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, stressed the fact that the Indian Ocean region plays an extremely important role in contributing to regional growth, adding that it is not only the maritime connection between the Indo-Pacific region, among India, ASEAN and Vietnam in particular, but also the sharing of a vision on regional mechanisms towards handling traditional and non-traditional security threats.

The Indian diplomat also underscored the centrality of ASEAN in the regional maritime structure and maritime security.

Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, emphasised the importance of “maritime advantage” where the seas continue to be the most vital trade route, offering free point-to-point travel with little obstruction.

The 2-day event aimed to maintain peace, stability, development, and connectivity in the Indo-Asian-Pacific region through economic, trade, and security cooperation. The meeting also promoted cooperation between stakeholder countries in the region in building trust, respecting international law and settling disputes in a peaceful manner, as well as maritime management and handling non-traditional threats.