India has said that it is committed to work with other powers in Asia-Pacific to combat terrorism and piracy in the region. Describing the twin issues as a serious challenge to the security, peace and trade in the region, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that there is need to develop synergy and institutionalised arrangement for cooperation to tackle them. He was speaking at a meeting of the first-ever ASEAN-Plus Eight Defence Ministers' Meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday. Mr Antony also pointed to the role of non-state actors and cyber threats. Terming the security of sea lanes of communication as vital in today's world, Mr Antony said that it is in the common interest of nations to keep these lanes open, secure and free for navigation, trade and energy supplies. He said that India is participating in two projects with the countries along Malacca straits within the framework of International Maritime Organisation to improve the safety of navigation in this region. He said, the Indian Navy is also conducting anti-piracy patrolling and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden for over two years now.