PM’s remarks at the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation”

Excellencies,

Thank you all for joining this important discussion on Maritime Security. I appreciate the positive message of Secretary General and U.N.O.D.C. I would like to thank the Executive Director for the briefing. The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo delivered his message as the President of the African Union. I am especially grateful to them. I also express my heartfelt gratitude for the presence of the President of Russia, the President of Kenya, and the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

Excellencies,

The ocean is our common heritage. Our sea routes are the lifeline of international trade. And, the biggest thing is that these seas are very important for the future of our planet. But today our shared maritime heritage is facing many challenges. Sea routes are being misused for piracy and terrorism. There are maritime disputes between many countries. And climate change and natural disasters are also subjects related to maritime domain. In this wider context, we must build a framework of mutual understanding and cooperation for the protection and use of our shared maritime heritage. No country can build such a framework alone. This can only be realized through a joint effort. It is with this thought in mind that we have brought this important matter to the Security Council. I am confident that today’s high level discussion will guide the world on the issue of maritime security.

Excellencies,

To give structure to this brainstorming, I would like to put before you five basic principles. Principle 1: We should remove barriers from legitimate maritime trade. The prosperity of all of us is dependent on the active flow of maritime trade. The bottlenecks in this can be a challenge for the entire global economy. Free maritime trade is associated with the civilization of India since time immemorial. Thousands of years ago, the Lothal port of the Indus Valley Civilization was associated with maritime trade. Lord Buddha’s peace message could spread in the world only in the free maritime environment of ancient times. In today’s context, India has defined the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – on the basis of this open and inclusive ethos. Through this vision, we want to create an inclusive structure of maritime security in our area. This vision is of a Safe, Secure and Stable Maritimedomain. It is also necessary for free maritime trade, that we fully respect the rights of each other’s sailors.
Second principle: The settlement of maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of international law only. This is very important for mutual trust and confidence. It is only through this that we can ensure global peace and stability. With this understanding and maturity, India has resolved its maritime boundary with its neighboring country Bangladesh.
The third principle: We should face natural disasters and maritime threats created by non-state actors together. India has taken several steps to enhance regional cooperation on this subject. We have been the first responder in maritime disasters related to cyclone, tsunami and pollution. The Indian Navy has been patrolling in the Indian Ocean since 2008 to prevent piracy. India’s White Shipping Information Fusion Center is increasing shared maritime domain awareness in our region. We have given training in Hydrographic Survey Support and Maritime Security to many countries. India’s role in the Indian Ocean has been as a Net Security Provider.
Fourth principle: We have to preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources. As we know, the oceans have a direct impact on the climate. And therefore, we have to keep our maritime environment free from pollution like plastics and oil spills. And take joint steps against over-fishing and marine poaching. At the same time, we should also increase cooperation in ocean science. India has launched an ambitious “Deep Ocean Mission”. We have also taken several initiatives to promote sustainable fishing.
Fifth Principle: We should encourage responsible maritime connectivity. It is clear that infrastructure creation is necessary to increase maritime trade. But, the fiscal sustainability and absorption capacity of the countries have to be kept in mind in the development of such infrastructure projects. For this we should make proper global norms and standards.

Excellencies,

I believe that on the basis of these five principles, a global roadmap for maritime security cooperation can be formed. The high and active participation of today’s open debate shows that this topic is important to all members of the Security Council. With this, I once again thank you for your presence.

Thank you.