On 9 Dec 2006, the Indian National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, HE Mr M K Narayanan, addressed the audience at the 3rd IISS Regional Security Summit, The Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain from 8-10 December 2006. Mr Narayanan spoke at the third plenary session, on 'Asia's Role in the Region'.
In his address, Mr Narayanan underlined the bonds of trade, culture and religion that tie India to the Gulf. Issues such as energy security, terrorism and conflicts were of common interest because together they threaten regional and international security. India was involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, but these efforts were threatened by the resurgence of the Taliban 'made possible by the existence of support structures across the border'.
Narayanan also expressed concern about Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon. Iran's security concerns needed to be addressed: non-engagement was not an option. He expressed doubt about Iran's intention to weaponise, though he said India would oppose this. Terrorism was 'one of the greatest scourges that the world has ever known', and terrorist groups had 'common operating procedures, common funding structures, common training facilities, and a degree of cross-cultural compatibility'.
