Pathfinder participates in conference on ‘Regional Dynamics and Strategic Concerns in South Asia’ ii

The South Asian region is the leasteconomically and politically integrated region in the world, which makes South Asia vulnerable and provide ample opportunities for intervention by outside powers even in domestic affairs of South Asian countries, stated Admiral Dr. Jayanath Colombage attending the conference on ‘Regional Dynamics and Strategic Concerns in South Asia’ in Islamabad, Pakistan on 14November. 

“South Asia need to address decade old conflicting issues and find solutions and move ahead in developing the countries economically, in order to benefit people. South Asians should develop common perceptions, common interests and common concerns and rise as a region,” he added.

The conference was organised by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) in partnership with Hans Seidel Foundation of Germany. Scholars and subject matter experts representing governments and research institutes from Pakistan, China, Russia, Germany, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, USA, Nepal, France presented their research findings during the two-day conference. 

The main themes of the conference wereRegional Dynamics of South Asia, Strategic Concerns in South Asia, Strategic Situation in Afghanistan and its regional Implications and Addressing Security Concerns in South Asia; A way forward. 

Ambassador(Retired) Abdul Basit, the President of IPRI, conducted the welcome address opening the conference and General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan delivered the keynote address. 

Institute of Policy Research is an autonomous think tank. It is dedicated to undertaking research, analysis and evaluations of important national and international politico-strategic issues and development affecting Pakistan and the region. One of the prominent areas of activity of the institute is organising national and international seminars and conferences. 

IPRI was established in June 1999. In its research activities, IPRI interacts freely with national and international forums, think tanks and scholars of high repute at home and abroad through formal/informal discussions, seminars and workshops.

Admiral Professor Colombagerepresented Pathfinder Foundation presented his paper titled ‘Assessment of Socio-political Trends in South Asia’ at this international conference. This paper highlighted the diverse nature of South Asian countries with regardto population, size, ethnicity, religion, development and economic standing at presently. This paper also identifies the flash points among the states which could lead to conflict. Lack of economic and people to people connectivity and integration of regional economies were also stressed upon. 

Colombagespoke about terrorism and violent extremism, which had engulfed some states in the region including Sri Lanka and the need to collaboration in eradicating the menace of terrorism with a view to bring peace and stability to the region. The strategic importance of the maritime domain of the south Asian region within the greater Indian Ocean region was also highlighted. 

Colombagedescribed this region as an area of strategic competition for major powers, strategic alliances by some major powers against other major powers and strategic dilemma for smaller, less powerful states as these are at times forced to choose between major powers. Colombageindicated the predicament of smaller states as they are unable to make decisions based on economics but first have to give way to strategic considerations and aspirations of major powers. 

Colombagealso emphasised that major initiatives such as Belt and Road Initiative(BRI), Asia Africa Growth Corridor(AAGC), Security and Growth for all in the Region(SAGAR), Free and open Indo-Pacific Oceans should be aimed at developing the region and not in competition against each other.

Admiral Colombage argued that due to the mistrust and strategic competition, this region has become heavily militarised and nuclearised and has become a dangerous area should hostilities break out among major players. Therefore, the need to establish a new Indian Ocean Order to commit all stake holders to abide by the International Rule based maritime order was emphasised. 

Colombage suggested that Sri Lanka by being in the most strategic location of the South Asian Region and with its eqi-distance and balanced foreign policy can play a key role in regional integration in a new security architecture for the common good of the entire South Asia.