India has advocated for rule-based order and open trade environment in the Indian Ocean region with equal access to trade and sea routes. Addressing the international conference on the future of the Indian Ocean in Colombo today, deputy national security advisor Mr. Pankaj Sharan said that India's vision for the Indian Ocean region is well articulated in Prime minister Narendra Modi 's address at Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore this year. <br />''<br />''He said connectivity in the region should be based on security and respect for the sovereignty of others warning against the return to old power rivalry. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in his keynote address hoped to reach consensus on shared understanding for freedom of navigation and effective solution for maritime security. <br />''  <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The two-day conference on "Indian Ocean: Defining Our Future " ill explore the region's challenges and opportunities featuring dignitaries and experts from the littoral states and beyond. </span><br />