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Rajnath Singh calls for adhering to international laws for a free & rule-based maritime order
Fair rules of engagement are crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring that no single country dominates others in a hegemonic manner, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday (October 30, 2023).
“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," he stated in an oblique reference to China.
Delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC), Defence Minister Singh emphasised that common maritime priorities need to be addressed cooperatively by avoiding selfish interests that make the region less secure and less prosperous. He underlined the importance of respecting the international maritime laws, as enunciated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Elaborating on the issue, he said, "Our narrow immediate interests may tempt us to flout or disregard the well-established international law, but doing so would lead to the breakdown of our civilised maritime relations. Our common security and prosperity cannot be preserved without all of us committing to cooperatively adhering to the legitimate maritime rules of engagement".
Defence Minister Singh also referred to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a challenge which relates to resource over-exploitation. “IUU fishing endangers ocean ecosystems and sustainable fishery. It also threatens our economic security and regional & global food security. A multinational collaborative effort for compilation and sharing of surveillance data is the need of the hour. It will help in identifying actors with irregular or threatening behaviour, which will have to be countered resolutely,” he said.
To put in place these mitigation frameworks, the Defence Minister called for collaboration, and sharing of resources & expertise among nations.
He went on to explain the difference between narrow national self-interest and mutual benefit based on enlightened self-interest of all nations. “The optimal outcome often involves cooperation and building trust among nations, but the fear of being taken advantage of or acting alone in a hostile world can lead to suboptimal decisions. The challenge is to find solutions that promote cooperation, build trust and mitigate the risks," he remarked.
Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi also addressed the gathering and stressed on cooperation among IOR nations to ensure peace & prosperity in the region. Underscoring the importance of IOR, she lauded the Indian Navy for protecting the nation’s maritime interests and being the first responder in the region in times of crisis.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasised the changing nature of threats, both traditional & non-traditional and those emanating from the sea.
The three-day Goa Maritime Conclave, which commenced on October 29, 2023, is being attended by Delegate in Charge of Defence, Comoros Mohamed Ali Youssoufa and Chiefs of Navies/Heads of Maritime Forces/Senior Representatives from 11 other Indian Ocean nations - Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka & Thailand.
The theme for this fourth edition is ‘Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks’. A number of sessions are being held during the conclave, under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. Interactions are being held with eminent speakers and subject matter experts focusing on:
1. Identifying Gaps in Regulatory and Legal Frameworks for Achieving Maritime Security in the IOR.
2. Formulation of a Common Multilateral Maritime Strategy and Operating Protocols for GMC Nations for Collective Mitigation of Maritime Threats and Challenges.
3. Identification and Establishment of Collaborative Training Programmes with Centre of Excellence across the IOR.
4. Leveraging Activities Pursued Through Existing Multilateral Organisations in the IOR towards Generating Collective Maritime competencies.
“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," he stated in an oblique reference to China.
Delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC), Defence Minister Singh emphasised that common maritime priorities need to be addressed cooperatively by avoiding selfish interests that make the region less secure and less prosperous. He underlined the importance of respecting the international maritime laws, as enunciated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Elaborating on the issue, he said, "Our narrow immediate interests may tempt us to flout or disregard the well-established international law, but doing so would lead to the breakdown of our civilised maritime relations. Our common security and prosperity cannot be preserved without all of us committing to cooperatively adhering to the legitimate maritime rules of engagement".
Defence Minister Singh also referred to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a challenge which relates to resource over-exploitation. “IUU fishing endangers ocean ecosystems and sustainable fishery. It also threatens our economic security and regional & global food security. A multinational collaborative effort for compilation and sharing of surveillance data is the need of the hour. It will help in identifying actors with irregular or threatening behaviour, which will have to be countered resolutely,” he said.
To put in place these mitigation frameworks, the Defence Minister called for collaboration, and sharing of resources & expertise among nations.
He went on to explain the difference between narrow national self-interest and mutual benefit based on enlightened self-interest of all nations. “The optimal outcome often involves cooperation and building trust among nations, but the fear of being taken advantage of or acting alone in a hostile world can lead to suboptimal decisions. The challenge is to find solutions that promote cooperation, build trust and mitigate the risks," he remarked.
Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi also addressed the gathering and stressed on cooperation among IOR nations to ensure peace & prosperity in the region. Underscoring the importance of IOR, she lauded the Indian Navy for protecting the nation’s maritime interests and being the first responder in the region in times of crisis.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasised the changing nature of threats, both traditional & non-traditional and those emanating from the sea.
The three-day Goa Maritime Conclave, which commenced on October 29, 2023, is being attended by Delegate in Charge of Defence, Comoros Mohamed Ali Youssoufa and Chiefs of Navies/Heads of Maritime Forces/Senior Representatives from 11 other Indian Ocean nations - Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka & Thailand.
The theme for this fourth edition is ‘Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks’. A number of sessions are being held during the conclave, under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. Interactions are being held with eminent speakers and subject matter experts focusing on:
1. Identifying Gaps in Regulatory and Legal Frameworks for Achieving Maritime Security in the IOR.
2. Formulation of a Common Multilateral Maritime Strategy and Operating Protocols for GMC Nations for Collective Mitigation of Maritime Threats and Challenges.
3. Identification and Establishment of Collaborative Training Programmes with Centre of Excellence across the IOR.
4. Leveraging Activities Pursued Through Existing Multilateral Organisations in the IOR towards Generating Collective Maritime competencies.
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