Friday, January 6 2006 15:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government today (Jan 6, 2006) gave its nod for signing and ratification of Regional Cooperation Agreement on combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.

The Union Cabinet, which met here under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also approved designation of Coast Guard as the focal point for the purpose of this agreement, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told newspersons after the meeting.

The Agreement, which is the first of its kind for combating piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia, has been signed by 16 nations, including India, Bangladesh, China, Brunai, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Phillipines, Laos and Sri Lanka.

This pact would pave way for establishment of an information sharing center concerning piracy and armed robbery, the minister said, adding the center would be located in Singapore.

Signatories of 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," Mukherjee said.

Laos, Japan and Singapore have already ratified the Agreement till today, he added.

The Cabinet also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Central Board for Excise and Customs of India and 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 apprehending of customs offenders," Mukherjee said.

The MoU also provides for exchange of information for simplification and harmonisation of customs procedures.