The Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony has called for adoption of ‘cooperative approaches’ for ensuring the security of sea lanes in the Asia-Pacific Region. Addressing the first ever ASEAN Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi today, Mr. Antony said India is participating in two projects together with the Malacca countries, within the framework of IMO, to improve the safety of navigation in this region. He said the Indian Navy is conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now. Mr. Antony said Piracy remains a serious challenge for the world community and expressed India’s commitment to work together with other countries to address piracy. He said, the security of sea lanes is important for the Asia-Pacific region, which is now one of the most important drivers of global economic growth. The Minister observed, India is partnering with other countries in the region to improve the safety of navigation in the region. Mr. Antony welcomed the Hanoi Joint Declaration, saying, it provides a viable framework for multilateral defence and security dialogue and cooperation in the region. He extended New Delhi’s support for the five priority areas identified for cooperation and the idea of having expert groups to develop cooperation in these areas. AIR correspondent reports, the ADMM Plus forum has for the first time brought together the defence establishments of all the key nations in the region with the objective of addressing non-traditional security challenges.