India can play a lead role in Indian Ocean region: Dharmendra Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Seeking cooperation from the Indian Ocean Rim Countries, India today said it is prepared to play a leading role in the affairs of the Indian Ocean region for the larger benefit of all stakeholders.

"India is prepared to play a leading role in this context in the affairs of Indian Ocean region for the larger benefit of all countries in our region," Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the valedictory session of an international conference, "India and the Indian Ocean: Renewing the Maritime Trade and Civilisational Linkage."

Stating that the three-day interaction generated greater confidence to aim higher for stronger cooperation in economic and trade areas, Pradhan said, "The whole region has the potential to emerge as an economic powerhouse and spring board with intense economic, energy and trade activities."

The conference has aided in building in depth understanding of several issues and will strengthen the academic and research resources on Indian Ocean studies, he said.