Thiruvananthapuram: The security situation in South Asia calls for increased collaboration between the countries in the region, according to Navtej Sarna, Spokesman, Ministry of External Affairs. He was delivering the foundation day lecture of the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) on `The evolution of India's foreign policy' here on Sunday.

"South Asia is emerging as a free trade zone. The risks primarily come from terrorism. It is no longer possible to envisage security in traditional terms. The present situation calls for collaboration and technological response to counter the emerging threats," he said.

Mr. Sarna said India was prepared to take a long-term view of relations with its neighbours. "The regrouping of Taliban forces on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is a threat to the region. We are ready to work with Pakistan to tackle this challenge. But Pakistan has to curb the export of cross- border terrorism," he said.

Mr. Saran said the refugee influx from Sri Lanka following the renewed conflict in the island nation was a matter of concern for India. On the country's relations with China, he said there was space and opportunity for both the countries to grow.

Mr. Sarna said trans-national issues such as terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, pandemics, cyber-crime and energy security would dictate the future course of India's foreign policy. "We are trying to strengthen multilateral institutions as a response to the challenges and opportunities posed by globalisation, market forces and technology in the modern world." He said autonomy in decision-making would remain the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Kerala Council Historical Research chairman K.N. Panikker presided. Director P.J. Cherian and Education Minister M.A. Baby were present.

The Minister distributed certificates to the students of the first batch of epigraphy and the team members of the Pattanam excavations carried out by the KCHR.

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