India pillar of stability in Indian ocean region: Blake

Washington, Sept 28 (PTI) Observing that Washington sees New Delhi as a pillar of stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and beyond, a top American official today said the Obama administration visualizes great promise in bringing China, India and the US together. We see great promise in bringing China, India and the United States even closer together, in formal capacities, Robert Blake, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said. Speaking on, Looking Ahead: US -India Strategic Relations and the Transpacific Century at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, he said harmony in the Asia-Pacific region will ensure that the US, India, and China will guide the world towards a golden age of safety, prosperity, and innovation a vision that is welcome news to the region and the world. Noting that as the centre of geopolitics moves toward Asia and India plays a critical role in US strategy, Blake said Washington sees India as a pillar of stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and beyond. He said India has long been a maritime power in Asia in its own right and only India itself can charter a path to navigate the geopolitical currents unfolding before us. But we believe that India can leverage its democratic traditions, strong cultural influence, people-to-people ties, and booming economy, to help ensure the Asia of the 21st century is one defined by open markets, open societies, and open governments, Blake underlined. In fact US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently said if we want to address, manage, or solve some of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, India, China, and the United States will have to coordinate our efforts. Blake argued that increased dialogue is key. Twenty first century global peace and security may well be defined by the level of harmony achieved by these three great powers, he said. The Assistant Secretary of State made it clear that just as global trade and commerce was made secure by the Royal Navy in 19th century, and by the American Navy in the 20th century, perhaps it will be the cooperation of the American, Indian, and Chinese navies that ensure global commercial routes are protected and enhanced. It is for this very reason that eliminating the scourge of piracy could be a natural way for the United States, India, and China to cooperate at sea, Blake said.