Panaji: Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has said that the Maritime Security and Economic prosperity were inter-related and inter-dependent from times immemorial.
Delivering an address at Goa Maritime Conclave, Kumar brought out that the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) was symbolic of India’s constructive engagement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
He 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.
The defence secretary also talked about 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.
On Indian Navy’s effort during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kumar lauded them for their contribution in fighting the disease, adding that it only remained on high vigilance duty safeguarding marine borders but went an extra mile to provide assistance to a large number of IOR littoral nations.
He also commended the Indian Navy for saving precious lives at sea during cyclones and other natural calamities.
On HADR, Kumar said, “Indian Navy has and will continue to work for HADR in the region as a first responder and net security provider.”
He emphasised that India will work with all willing nations for peace in the region. Standing for a rules-bound world, he said that India will continue to oppose attempts of aggression and to deter them on land and the sea.
“Maritime domain is so vast and challenges are so diverse that going alone is not an option for practically any country. We welcome all nations which respect rules and shun aggression, to collaborate in our region,” he said.
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.
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'.
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.
