Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media, Ladies & Gentlemen, A very Good Morning to all of you.

I extend a warm welcome to everyone present, to the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference, the 47th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar and the Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum - 2023.

It is a matter of immense pride for the Indian Army, to be co-hosting this event with the US Army. Ladies and Gentlemen, your participation greatly enhances the significance and import of this event and shall enrich the ideation and discussions that we shall be engaging in. The fact that this edition has witnessed the largest participation from 30 countries, reflects our collective commitment to fostering collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. of We are truly honoured by your presence here, this morning.

This edition of the conference has witnessed the largest participation from 30 countries, indicating a strong collective commitment to fostering collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region

Geo-political relevance and geo-economic weight of the Indo-Pacific nations is evident from the fact that, it accounts for 65 per cent of the world's population, 63 per cent of the world's GDP, 46 per cent of the world's merchandise market, and 50 per cent of the world's maritime trade. Hence, the impact of geographic and economic indispensability of the region to the world, naturally accords it the role of the pivotal theatre, in the contemporary geo-strategic canvas.

The region therefore, mandates cooperation amongst its littoral States - on security, connectivity and economy. While efforts by countries are converging towards effecting a free and stable Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of inter-state contestations and competitions.

The challenges we face transcend across borders, and our response to them must factor this. The Indo-Pacific region is not merely a collection of nations - it is a web of interdependencies. We are bound by geography, and our destinies are intertwined. The security and prosperity of one nation is intrinsically linked to the security and prosperity of its neighbours, and much beyond. Therefore, each one of us has an important and a pivotal role to play.

India's strategic location, astride the vital Sea Lanes of Communication, in the Indo-Pacific, propels us as a key player in the region's discourse.

The Indo-Pacific region holds immense geo-political relevance and geo-economic weight, accounting for 65 per cent of the world's population, 63 per cent of the world's GDP, 46 per cent of the world's merchandise market, and 50 per cent of the world's maritime trade

Our outlook emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region, equality of all, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use of force and adherence to international laws, rules and regulations. This has been defined in our vision for the Indo-Pacific, as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the essence of which can be found in the words of our Hon'ble Prime Minister, who said and I quote, 'When the oceans are open, the seas are secure, countries are connected, the rule of law prevails and the region is stable, nations, small and large, prosper as sovereign countries', unquote.

Our commitment towards positively engaging all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific has been unwavering and enduring, over the years. This finds reflection in our policy initiatives and participation in various regional strategic frameworks, be it BIMSTEC, IORA, India-ASEAN engagements, Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative, SAGAR, QUAD and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, to name a few. The G20 presidency this year, has further enhanced India's role, engagement and outreach.

From a definitional perspective, the construct of 'Indo-Pacific' largely hints at primacy of Navies, in the security stakeholdership of the region. While there is no denying this, the role of other components of Armed Forces, remains profoundly relevant. Apart from challenges exclusively in the maritime domain, a wide range of security and humanitarian concerns exist on land, too. These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases, trans-national threats of terrorism, consequences of climate change impacting the inhabited islands or coastal areas of rim nations and natural calamities.

India's strategic location along the vital Sea Lanes of Communication in the Indo-Pacific positions it as a key player in the region's discourse

These challenges are manifesting as threats, singularly or plurally, impacting one or more nations amongst us. Cooperation amongst our land forces, hence is a critical component of the collective response. Though, bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of Armed Forces of our nations have been ongoing, this forum provides a collective platform to share perspectives, comprehend unique manifestations, identify priorities, and aggregate our response methodology.

The theme of this year's event, 'Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in Indo-Pacific Region' resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, which provides opportunities for growth for all Nations.

Over the next two days, the agenda is both, diverse and wholesome. We shall deliberate on topics ranging from 'sustaining peace', 'promoting stability', 'military diplomacy', 'need for self-reliance', 'cooperation in military training' and 'Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief'.

The theme of this year's event, 'Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in Indo-Pacific Region', reflects the aspiration for a secure, stable, free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific

The challenges we face are significant, but so is our collective wisdom and strength. It is through open dialogue and exchange of ideas that we will find innovative solutions to the challenges. Let us recognise that while our methods and means towards achieving our objectives may differ, yet our goal is the same, that is, a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Let us utilise this opportunity to learn from each other and to foster lasting connections and partnerships, that extend beyond these walls. The friendships we form and the insights we gain, will be invaluable for our collective pursuits, in the years ahead.

Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you for being a part of this multilateral event. Let us embark on this journey with determination, enthusiasm and a genuine spirit of collaboration.

Thank You & Jai Hind!