Welcoming the EU's commitment to contribute to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that from a position of proximity India has noted challenges to the observance of global norms including making claims to the global commons, in an apparent reference to China widening its forays in the region. Addressing the EU Ministerial Forum on the Indo-Pacific, being convened by France, the EAM said “It is essential that greater power and stronger capabilities lead to responsibility and restraint”. “This means above all respect for international law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. It means economics free of coercion and politics free from the threat of the use of force,” in apparent reference to China, that has been following an aggressive Belt and Road Initiative and landing countries into debt trap. “It means observing global norms and practices and refraining from making claims in the global commons. Today we see challenges on that score with the clarity that proximity brings. And believe me distance is no insulation,” he said, in reference to the West earlier keeping aloof from the threats posed by China in the region. “The issues we confront in the Indo Pacific will extend beyond even to Europe,” he added. The EAM said that India “appreciates the enormous contribution that Europe can make to shaping world affairs. Its considered voice and matured capabilities are key to the emergence of a multipolar world.” He said that France was among the first countries of the world to recognize the strategic geography of the Indo Pacific. “France and EU may have strong partnerships, presence and interests, in the Indo Pacific. The values they espouse and the practices they follow are no less significant,” he said, adding that the Indo Pacific is “at the heart of multipolarity and rebalancing that characterises contemporary changes.” “This remains a maritime century and the tides of the Indo Pacific region will certainly help shape its future. Our collective efforts can keep the oceans peaceful, open and secure and at the same time contribute to conserve its resources and keep it clean,” he added. He said that the EU, with its economic heft and expertise can promote the economic development, infrastructure, connectivity, digital transformation, climate change, bio diversity and human centric concerns like health, besides security, in the region. He said India welcomes the EU's Global Gateway, the bloc's new international infrastructural connectivity programme. “Countries with shared values and vision can better ensure a regional culture working together, one in which all nations irrespective of size make sovereign options and make their own choice,” he added. He said the EU's strategy is consistent with India's vision of a “free open, balanced and inclusive Indo-Pacific region anchored in ASEAN's centrality as outlined by PM Modi in Singapore in 2018”. “India's approach is broad-based and emphasizes multilateralism, plurilateralism and collective action. These are combined in the Indo Pacific Ocean's Initiative launched by PM Modi in the East Asia Summit in 2019.” He said that in the sphere of security, France is already among India's foremost partners, and "with EU too we now have an enhanced partnership and operational level of access". “In the area of connectivity, India's Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the EU-India Connectivity partnership have convergence with the Global Gateway.” “Our efforts must not only offer alternative resources but also set standards in sustainability, viability and transparency. On global challenges, the India-France initiative on the International Solar Alliance now includes many European partners.” He said that India and France are also joining to launch the Indo Pacific Parks Partnership. “We invite our partners from the EU and the region to join this initiative and reinforce our efforts in conserving bio diversity in the Indo-Pacific.”