New Delhi [India] September 26 (ANI): The importance of Indo-pacific region is not just limited to maritime trade or sea lines of communication but it also has broader political, security, and diplomatic dimensions, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday in Delhi.

He was addressing senior Army officials of various countries who arrived in New Delhi to attend Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi.

He said forums like IPACC are one of the largest brainstorming events of Land Forces in the region, which provides a unique opportunity to build common perspectives towards a shared vision and provides a forum to build and strengthen partnerships in the spirit of collaborative security, for one and all.

"India has always stood for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region, in the pursuit of shared security and prosperity.

"Neighbourhood First", has always been the cornerstone of our culture since time immemorial. India's approach to the region is defined by its "Act East Policy"," he said.

"The Indo-Pacific Region has emerged as a pivotal geopolitical and strategic concept in recent years, transforming from a primarily maritime concept into a comprehensive strategic framework. This transformation underscores the evolving dynamics in one of the most economically vibrant and strategically significant region of the world," he said.

"Security considerations have elevated the Indo-Pacific's strategic significance. The region also faces a complex web of security challenges, including boundary disputes, piracy etc".

"The need to comprehensively deal with these security challenges has led to the full involvement of the states in the region, with all their organisations, including their Armies. Therefore, Indo-Pacific is no more a mere maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct," he said.

The gathering is notably the largest conference for land forces (army, marines, etc.) in the region.

The objective of these meetings is to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship.

This year's conference's theme is"Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region."Army Chief General Maoj Pande spoke about the agenda for the two day conference in his inaugural address.

"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" General Pande said.

"Our outlook emphasizes 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" General Pande added. (ANI)