"We have important stakes in the continuing stability of the Gulf region and the establishment of peace in West Asia, which is home to more than four million Indian workers," M K Narayanan said.
He was addressing the first International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)-Citi India Global Forum
21 April 2008: KUNA
NEW DELHI, April 21 (KUNA) -- India said Sunday it played a key role in maintaining stability and peace in the West Asian region, India's national security advisor said.
"We have important stakes in the continuing stability of the Gulf region and the establishment of peace in West Asia, which is home to more than four million Indian workers," M K Narayanan said.
He was addressing the first International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)-Citi India Global Forum.
Organised by London-based IISS, the the Global Forum was held under the theme: "India as a Rising Great Power: Challenges and Opportunities".
He also said India was equally interested in stability in Afghanistan.
"We have an equal interest in a stable Afghanistan, and are of the view that Afghanistan's emergence as a democratic state is vital for regional and global stability. We have committed nearly USD 800 million for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan," Narayanan stressed.
He said his country did not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. But, he pointed to willingness to help neighboring countries.
"There are other challenges facing countries in our neighbourhood, such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We stand ready to render any assistance required to enable these countries to meet their challenges," he said.
He added that India was interested in finding answers to such world challenges as terrorism, fundamentalism, food security, energy security, and climate change.
He claimed some changes in the nature of India's relations with other countries, mainly the US.
Narayanan said, "Changes that have occurred in India's relations with other countries, perhaps the most profound is a change that has occurred in the nature of our relations with the US. The relationship is, first and foremost, characterised today by greater maturity and dynamism".
"I would also like to mention our longstanding relationship with Russia, and the erstwhile Soviet Union," he added.
He also stressed the importance of improved relations between India and the European Union (EU).
India's relations with China have both vastly expanded and diversified in recent years, the Indian national security advisor noted.
"We believe that there is enough space for both India and China to develop and prosper together".
But, he remarked that India's relations will all those countries are essentially based on the mutual interest principle.
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