NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday gave its nod for signing and ratification of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. It also approved designation of Coast Guard as the focal point for the purpose of this agreement, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after the meeting of the Cabinet.

The agreement, first of its kind for combating piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia, has been signed by 16 nations including India, Bangladesh, China, Brunei, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos and Sri Lanka. The pact would pave the way for establishment of an information sharing centre concerning piracy and armed robbery, the Minister said. He said the centre would be located in Singapore. Signatories to the Agreement would also extend mutual legal assistance and extradition in respect of the offences covered under it.

"It will strengthen cooperation amongst the contracting parties in prevention and suppression armed robbery and in tracing, identification and prosecution of the persons involved in such acts and would help in making the sea lanes in the region secure," Mr. Mukherjee said. Laos, Japan and Singapore have already ratified the agreement.

MoU with Australia

The Cabinet also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Board for Excise and Customs of India and the Australian Custom Service for cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. The MoU would help in availability of reliable, quick and cost-effective information and intelligence for the prevention and investigation of custom offences and apprehension of offenders. It also provides for exchange of information for simplification and harmonisation of customs procedures.

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