Maritime transport, logistics are important for Blue Economy-Shringla

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has reiterated that maritime transport and logistics are a major component of the Blue Economy and are particularly important for Indiqan Ocean Region( IOR) countries. In his keynote address in the third edition of Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) – 2021 on Monday, he mentioned that half of the world’s container ships, one-third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments traverse through the IOR.India believes that alleviating suffering is central to reducing insecurity and building trust and confidence in keeping with our philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world is one family., he said. 

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said that Maritime Security and Economic prosperity were inter-related and inter-dependent from times immemorial. Defence Secretary also highlighted India’s engagement and continued efforts towards reaching out to the nations in the region bilaterally and under the framework of IONS, IORA, BIMSTEC, Colombo Security Conclave and other structures. He highlighted the Indian initiative of setting up the Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) towards fostering better understanding of the maritime domain and sought further support and participation from maritime countries of the IOR. Dr Kumar also lauded the Indian Navy for their contribution in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,

Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command delivered the welcome address by highlighting the importance of the maritime domain and Indian Navy’s commitment towards ensuring safety, security, and inclusive growth in the IOR. He reminded all present of the maritime vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) articulated by prime minister Narendra Modi,The Admiral expressed confidence that the discussions during the Goa Maritime Conclave would help foster a shared understanding of the emerging non-traditional threats in the maritime domain and would also help in developing a 'common perspective'.

The theme for this year’s edition of GMC is “Maritime Security and Emerging Non-Traditional Threats: A Case for Proactive Role for IOR Navies”, which has been derived keeping in mind the necessity of ‘winning everyday peace’ in the maritime domain. At the GMC 2021, Indian Navy is hosting Chiefs of Navies/ Heads of Maritime Forces from 12 Indian Ocean Region countries comprising Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.