Pluralistic security order to tackle security challenges: Pranab

New Delhi, Feb 9 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today stressed the need for a pluralistic security order working through a network of cooperative structures to deal with the security challenges of the 21st century.

''Only a pluralistic security order working through a network of cooperative structures can have the legitimacy as well as the wherewithal to deal with the security challenges of the 21st century'', the Minister said while delivering the Keynote Address at the Ninth Asian Security Conference -- on the theme 'Security Dynamics in Southeast Asia: Emerging Threats and Responses' -- here.

''This vision has guided our approach to Asian security right from the Asian Relations Conference of 1946 to the recent initiatives including the 'Look East' policy'', Minister Mukherjee observed.

The two-day conference -- organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) -- was inaugurated by Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Defence Minister AK Antony also addressed the gathering.

Minister Mukherjee -- also the current President of IDSA -- expressed happiness at greater recognition being accorded to India's stabilising role in the region ''born out of our restraint, our economic dynamism and potential, the history of our civilisational engagement and our role as a firewall against destabilising ideas and influences''.

''Encouraged by this we will continue to seek in our interaction with countries of the region greater political and economic convergence, closer people-to-people links through cultural cooperation and educational exchanges and meaningful security cooperation to meet common challenges....'' In his address, Defence Minister Antony, too, called for ''innovative thinking'' by the Armed Forces for them to adapt themselves to the changing nature of warfare and deal with the security challenges of the 21st century -- different from those faced in the past.

''The nature of warfare has undergone large-scale transformation... Conventional wars are less likely, yet complex threats are emerging... This challenge is by no means unique to our country alone... Indeed, this changing nature of warfare and the threat scenario are compelling defence forces all over the world to transform themselves adequately....'' Terming as ''extremely relevant'' the conference theme, the Defence Minister pointed out that the deliberations came at a time when India was looking to increase and deepen its relations with the East and South-east.

''India's 'Look East' policy has fostered closer economic relations with the South-east Asian region... It has paid rich dividends and today India has a booming economic and defence partnership with the nations of this region....'' Paraphrasing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Minister Antony said a decade ago India unveiled its 'Look East' policy because of the centuries of interaction between the two regions. ''This tradition, and our faith in principles of democracy and pluralism, bring us together... We also share a desire for a stable, secure and equitable new world order....'' UNI