Antony calls for increased regional maritime security

Singapore, June 2 (ANI): Defence Minister A. K. Antony has called for enhanced maritime security to counter the threat of piracy.

Addressing the Asia Security Summit here on Saturday, Antony elaborated on India's view on maritime security and freedom of use of sea- lane.

He added that India respects the consensus evolved between China and other countries of the region over the issue of South China Sea.

Antony is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of several key countries on the sidelines of the Summit.

The issue of 'Protecting Maritime Freedoms' and a number of other security-related issues are expected to be discussed during the Summit, also known as Shangri-La Dialogue.

A delegation including Defence Secretary Shashkant Sharma and Chairman of Integrated Defence Staff Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, is accompanying the Defence Minister in the meet.

Countries like France, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam and Tonga are the other key participants in the Summit. (ANI)