"We belong to a multi-polar world, where we want to make it clear that freedom of navigation can never be unilaterally or arbitrarily questioned by anybody. "India, till very recently has long been seen as a regional player, with tactical prowess.... But, I am glad to say that in recent years, India is now seen as a global influencer of policies, and takes its leadership role globally, seriously," she said. "We are no longer a regional player, and no longer a regional policy influencer, globally we have a leadership, which is spearheaded within India," Sitharaman asserted.The defence minster said the freedom of navigation is a "universally accepted" norm that can "never be challenged". So, in maritime area, it has to be recognised that the "cost has to be shareable".The global rules-based order, what the UN is trying to implement, has its own "weak links".

Source: Economic Times February 27, 2018 13:18 UTC