Pakistan's top diplomat Sartaj Aziz on Sunday alleged that India's evolving "expansionist" maritime security strategy and un-demarcated border of Sir Creek pose a "threat" to the security of the Indian Ocean.
"The un-demarcated borders in Sir Creek have the potential to cast a shadow on maritime security. India's evolving expansionist maritime security strategy is a cause for concern for peace in Indian Ocean," said Aziz, the PM's Advisor on Foreign Affairs.
He made the remarks at a conference organised by the Pakistan Navy as part of a multi-nation five-day naval exercise in the Arabian Sea.
Aziz said that with 95 per cent of Pakistan's trade taking place through sea, Pakistan was heavily dependent on a tension-free Indian Ocean.
He added that the Indian Ocean region contains several conflict zones and the region’s maritime security challenges have grown and are affected by key variables such as militarisation, the involvement of major and extra-regional powers, and non-traditional security threats.
"And to add to this complex scenario, today, the Indian Ocean faces many non-traditional security challenges and threats including piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking, drug smuggling, trafficking of weapons, maritime pollution and climate change," he added.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)