KATHMANDU, March 13 -- Security and foreign policy experts from various countries in various South Asian countries said the newly-unveiled Indo-Pacific strategy by the US could pose threats to smaller states if this is pursued as security architecture.

Speaking at a two-day "COSATT Regional Conference on Security and Economic Challenges in the Indo-Pacific" in Kathmandu, the experts also argued that smaller states in South Asia should seek to 'desecuritize' Indo-Pacific strategy - that is often seen as countermove of the US to respond to China's Belt and Road Initiative- and look for economic opportunities through constructive engagements. The experts also maintained that South Asian countries should cautiously handle their ties with the...