![Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande](http://media.assettype.com/defencewatch%2F2023-09%2F03fe249f-9e6f-4503-bd84-04fb8211b403%2F20230926_181025.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
New Delhi: In the face of growing international concern about China’s increasingly aggressive military muscle-flexing in the region, India’s policy for the Indo-Pacific is geared towards respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, Army Chief General Manoj Pande said on Tuesday. He also mentioned that coming together of countries can promote further peace and healthy politics.
In an address at a conclave of army chiefs of Indo-Pacific nations in Delhi, 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 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 interdependencies.
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