Image Source: Agencies

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated New Delhi's stance on China's growing hegemony, saying "India stands for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region".
"Free and open Indo-Pacific" is a term used by countries to express their stance on China's efforts to establish a "no-sail" zone in the South China Sea and "exclusion zones" across it.
The minister delivered the inaugural speech at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi, which will be attended by 30 delegates from Indo-Pacific countries.
He called for collective wisdom and concerted efforts to address the complex challenges of the Indo-Pacific region while harnessing its potential to ensure a future characterized by prosperity, security and inclusion.

The Indo-Pacific region is no longer a maritime construct but a full-fledged geostrategic construct, and the region faces complex security challenges, including border disputes and piracy. India stands for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region for shared security and prosperity.
He defined "Neighbourhood First" as the cornerstone of Indian culture. India's approach to the region is defined by its "Act East policy", Rajnath Singh added.

He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of the Indo-Pacific region's commitment to five principles - respect, dialogue, cooperation, peace and prosperity.
Rajnath Singh added that India's efforts to build strong military partnerships with friendly countries underline India's commitment not only to protect national interests but also to address global challenges. The climate change concerns of the Indo-Pacific small island states must be given the weight they deserve because they bear the weight of climate change as an existential crisis.

He cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a good example of an international treaty that provides a legal framework for maritime affairs and addresses issues arising from the overlapping "concerns" of different countries.
Nations must identify and seek to expand their "sphere of influence" to advance national interests globally.
According to him, this can include the creation of partnerships, participation in regional organizations and the strategic use of diplomatic, economic or military resources.

IPACC and the parallel Indo-Pacific Army Leadership Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF) is one of the largest brainstorming sessions for land forces in the region. The event is jointly organized by the Indian Army and the US Army.