Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Advocates Multinational Collaboration for Maritime Challenges
Goa, 31st October 2023: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the establishment of multinational collaborative frameworks in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to effectively address shared maritime challenges, including climate change, piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, overfishing, and the freedom of commerce on the high seas. Singh delivered the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) on October 30, 2023.
The three-day conclave, which commenced on October 29, 2023, is attended by the Delegate in Charge of Defence, Comoros Mohamed Ali Youssoufa, and Chiefs of Navies/Heads of Maritime Forces/Senior representatives from eleven other Indian Ocean nations, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka & Thailand.
Singh emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to address common maritime priorities, avoiding selfish interests that compromise regional security and prosperity. He stressed the importance of adhering to international maritime laws outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
“A free, open, and rule-based maritime order is a priority for all of us. ‘Might is right’ has no place in such a maritime order. Adherence to international laws and agreements must be our lodestar,” said Rajnath Singh.
He highlighted the significance of fair rules of engagement for fostering collaboration and preventing the dominance of any single country.
On climate change, Singh proposed a collaborative mitigation framework involving countries working together to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable practices. He urged countries to accept responsibility for cutting emissions, investing in a green economy, and sharing technology and capital with needy nations.
Singh also addressed the challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, emphasizing the need for a multinational collaborative effort in compiling and sharing surveillance data to counter irregular or threatening behavior.
To implement these mitigation frameworks, Singh called for collaboration, resource-sharing, and expertise among nations. He highlighted the difference between narrow national self-interest and mutual benefit based on enlightened self-interest.
Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi emphasized cooperation among IOR nations for peace and prosperity. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the changing nature of threats and the valuable opportunity GMC offers to develop effective mitigation strategies.
After his keynote address, Singh visited the ‘Make in India’ stalls, showcasing India’s defence industry’s growing capabilities in indigenous manufacturing. The theme for this edition is ‘Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks,’ with various sessions held under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. The discussions focus on regulatory and legal frameworks, multilateral maritime strategy, training programs, and leveraging existing multilateral organizations in the IOR for collective maritime competencies.
