Washington: In its attempt to achieve vision of "peace and prosperity" in South Asia, India today (Jan 21, 2004) outlined a 10-point roadmap that included co-operation in combating terrorism, preventing activities of forces that seek to undermine security and stability and resolving all disputes through peaceful means.

Delineating the roadmap in a speech at the prestigious Woodrow Wilson International Centre, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, now on a three-day visit to the US, expressed the hope that South Asian countries of the region will adopt it.

Observing that later day scholars would certainly count this one as one of the "defining moments" in contemporary history, Sinha said, "India is ready to do everything that is necessary, to walk as many extra miles as may be required, to make this vision a reality... It marks the launch of a world war against terror."

The roadmap envisages advancing Democracy and strengthening Democratic institutions throughout the region to ensure good governance. It includes co-operation in combating terrorism, and other forms of cross-border crimes; such as trafficking in narcotics, arms and human beings, smuggling, money laundering and illegal migration.

"In this connection," said Sinha, "I would like to draw attention to the courageous action taken by His Majesty the King of Bhutan and his Government against insurgent groups, which were trying to use Bhutanese territory to launch terrorist activities in India.

"It (Bhutanese action) is an outstanding example of how a small nation has shown the will and determination to act against powerful non-State actors in the interest of its security and in order to prevent violation of the sanctity of its territory by external forces."

"In the process, it also advances the security of its neighbour, makes a major contribution to a long and arduous road that lies ahead in the global war against terrorism," Sinha said.

At the same time, "we must co-operate to ensure an end to illegal migrations", it said.

The roadmap calls for investments in cross-border infrastructure projects for energy, transport and water resources and contributions in special funds and programmes for poverty alleviation, health care, education and environment management.

"We can use India's space assets, for example, to provide telemedicine in remote areas of the SAARC region," Sinha said.