Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Wednesday said that to suggest India and the US merely have “skin in the game” in the Indo-Pacific region would be an “understatement”, adding the stakes are high in ensuring stability, cooperation and a focused approach.

“To say that we have skin in the game is an understatement. I think we have vital stakes today in ensuring that the Indo-Pacific is stable, that it is secured, that there is cooperation and that the focus is on the right things,” Pande said while addressing the conclusion ceremony of Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

“As we draw this forum to a close, I want to express my gratitude to each one of you, for participating and enriching the discussions with your insightful perspectives on the theme – ‘Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace & Stability in the Indo-Pacific’,” he further said.

He added that the collective viewpoints on regional and sub-regional security dynamics, challenges, concerns and aspirations, have brought to fore important aspects that impact, contribute and need to be addressed, if ‘peace’ and ‘stability’ is to be achieved and sustained, in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The frank exchange of thoughts and ideas has reaffirmed that India and the US are bonded by a common thread, of ‘values’ that stand for collective good, adherence to ‘international laws and conventions, respect for each other’s sovereignty and a yearning for peace. In doing so, the two countries have asserted that, despite their geographical separation, they stand united in their commitment towards ‘peace’ and ‘stability,’” Pande said.

The armies of India and the US hosted the 13th biannual IPACC, the 47th annual Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the 9th Senior Enlisted Forum in the national capital from 25-27 September.