Tuesday, 10 August 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
At UNSC, Modi lays out roadmap based on ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region’
Chairing a high-level United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security — A Case for International Cooperation”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for removing maritime trade barriers, settling maritime boundary disputes peacefully and a roadmap on maritime security. This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has presided over a meeting of the UN Security Council.
Addressing the meet, Prime Minister said sea is a common heritage and a lifeline for trade but it is facing many challenges and “pirates and terrorists are misusing sea routes.”
“Many countries have maritime disputes”, Modi said, adding a framework for mutual understanding is possible with a “joint effort”. “We want to make an inclusive framework on maritime security in our region based on the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region). This vision is for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain”, said the Prime Minister.
Modi initiated five fundamentals on maritime security strategy which included removal of trade barriers, peaceful resolution of maritime boundary disputes based on international laws, working-out joint strategy against non-State actors and natural disasters, responsible maritime connectivity, and a roadmap for maritime security.
He also called for preserving maritime resources which have impact on climate change.
“Oceans are our shared heritage and our maritime routes are the lifelines of international trade. These oceans are very important for the future of our planet,” Modi said at UNSC meeting.
“On world Maritime Day last year, the United Nations General Secretary had highlighted the important role of seafarers in maintaining the global supply chain during the pandemic, I hope the council will advance such ideas further”, said the Prime Minister.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and president of Vietnam attended the meeting via videoconferencing.
The UN Security Council has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime in the past.
However, this is the first time that maritime security was discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate.
