Dubai: India hasemphasised the need to set up a forum with the West Asian states to enhancemaritime security in the Gulf waters through which 60 per cent of global oilsupplies are transported.
Describing West Asia as part of India's 'strategic neighbourhood', home to fourmillion Indians and important source of energy, India's Chief of Naval StaffAdmiral Suresh Mehta, emphasised the need to "take this cooperation beyondjust bilateral defence and economic ties".

On a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Admiral Mehta said regionalsecurity forum like Western Pacific Naval Symposium have made progress over theyears (Indiahas a Observer Status) and a similar forum comprising Gulf littoral states isat "a preliminary stage" that will get some concrete shape by theyear-end.

During his three-day visit, the first by an Indian Naval Chief, Admiral Mehtamet top brass of the UAE armed forces and discussed "collaborativecooperation and energy security", officials said today.

Speaking at the Indian Business and Professional Forum in Dubai yesterday, Admiral Mehta said ensuringregular supply of energy, especially fossil fuels, will be key to a higher growthof the Indian economy. "The Indian economic boom puts an additionalresponsibility on the Indian Navy to be more capable of maintaining securityover it's sea front," he said.