The importance of Indo-pacific region is not just limited to maritime trade or sea lines of communication but it also has broader political, security, and diplomatic dimensions, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday in Delhi.

He was addressing senior Army officials of various countries who arrived in New Delhi to attend Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi.

He said forums like IPACC are one of the largest brainstorming events of Land Forces in the region, which provides a unique opportunity to build common perspectives towards a shared vision and provides a forum to build and strengthen partnerships in the spirit of collaborative security, for one and all.

"India has always stood for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region, in the pursuit of shared security and prosperity. "Neighbourhood First", has always been the cornerstone of our culture since time immemorial. India's approach to the region is defined by its "Act East Policy"," he said.

"The Indo-Pacific Region has emerged as a pivotal geopolitical and strategic concept in recent years, transforming from a primarily maritime concept into a comprehensive strategic framework. This transformation underscores the evolving dynamics in one of the most economically vibrant and strategically significant region of the world," he said.