PM Modi proposes five principles for maritime security; UNSC adopts the first-ever statement

New Delhi, August 10: Becoming the first India Prime Minister, PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level virtual open debate focused on global cooperation for maritime security at United Nations Security Council.

 

During the open debate, PM Modi stressed that the oceans are the world’s common heritage and sea routes the lifeline of international trade. Underlining that the countries” shared maritime heritage is facing many challenges, Modi put forward five principles for enhancing maritime cooperation

 

"Such a framework cannot be created by any country alone. It requires joint efforts by all of us. It was with this thought that we decided to bring this very important subject to the UN Security Council," PM Modi said.

 

 

 

Removal of barriers to legitimate maritime trade: Elaborating the first principle, PM Modi said, “We should remove barriers for legitimate maritime trade. Global prosperity depends on the active flow of maritime trade. Any hindrance in maritime trade can threaten the global economy." He termed this principle as ‘SAGAR’ Security and Growth for All in the Region.

 

Peaceful settlement of disputes:  Modi said that the settlement of maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of international law. “This is very important for mutual trust and confidence. This is the only way we can ensure global peace and stability,” he said.

 

 

 

Jointly fighting maritime threats from natural disasters and non-state actors; PM Modi said the third key principle was that the global community should together face natural disasters and maritime threats created by non-State actors. India has taken several steps to enhance regional cooperation on this subject, he added.

 

Preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources: "Our oceans directly impact our climate. Hence, it is very important that we keep our maritime environment free of pollutants like plastic waste and oil spills. We also need to take joint steps against overfishing and marine poaching," PM Modi said.

 

Promoting “responsible maritime connectivity”: PM Modi said it is well understood that the creation of infrastructure is necessary to boost maritime trade. He then advocated for appropriate global norms and standards to ensure that such infrastructure projects are carried out as per the fiscal sustainability and absorption capacity of the host countries.

 

Soon after the open debate, UNSC on Monday adopted the first-ever presidential statement on maritime security. As per practices, the "Presidential Statement" has to be adopted unanimously by the participating countries.

 

 

 

External affairs minister S Jaishankar later thanked all members for “supporting the first signature event of Indian Presidency” after the statement on maritime security was unanimously adopted by UNSC.

 

“Ten non-Council members sent their written position underlining that the debate was timely and relevant. PM articulated five key maritime principles- on trade, disputes, natural disasters, environment, and connectivity,” Jaishankar tweeted.

 

 

 

The meeting was attended by several heads of state and government of member states of the UNSC, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and US secretary of state Antony Blinken.

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