Rajnath Singh asserted that India, all through historical past, has been a peace-loving society which has by no means invaded any international land and has at all times revered the territorial integrity of different nations, whereas treating them as equal companions.
He burdened that oceanic house ought to be revered as a worldwide commons to learn all humanity in an environmentally sustainable approach.
“We stand for open, free, rules-based maritime borders in Indo-Pacific, in which no nation, howsoever big, may be allowed to appropriate the global common or exclude others from its fair use,” Singh stated.
“We are always ready and forthcoming to work with all the like-minded partner countries across various forums towards this endeavour,” he added.
His feedback got here in the backdrop of rising considerations amongst main democratic powers over China’s rising navy muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific.
The defence minister voiced India’s dedication to implement worldwide laws, enact laws for maritime security and safety, set up cooperative mechanisms with nations and interact in capability constructing of maritime regulation enforcement companies.
He emphasised that India can be inspired by the effectiveness of agreements just like the Regional Cooperation Agreement for Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia and considers mutual cooperation alone the simplest approach to make sure security and safety at sea.
Rajnath Singh stated India’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth of All in Region) and ‘Rule Based Order at Sea’ complement its method to inclusive development and lasting collaboration in the area.
“With continued growth in marine traffic, the potential risk of marine pollution and requirement of search and rescue consequent to any unwanted maritime incidents have also grown manifolds,” he stated.
“The recent oil spill incidents have raised concerns about the maritime environment and the attendant life hazards. Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to threaten long-term ocean sustainability,” Singh stated.
He famous that smuggling, drug trafficking and human trafficking by ocean routes have made maritime regulation enforcement tougher, emphasising that profitable response technique towards such threats is the necessity of the hour.
Singh appreciated the function of Coast Guard Agencies in guaranteeing maritime security and safety.
He stated that as maritime policing and regulation enforcement companies, Coast Guard Agencies deliver a particular functionality and performance to the desk.
He known as upon the companies to enhance the capacities of respective nationwide navies and collectively guarantee a secure and safe maritime setting.
Singh hoped that the maritime area may be made conducive by guaranteeing a secure and safe maritime setting and cleaner seas with joint efforts.
The Indian Coast Guard is internet hosting the 18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in Delhi from October 14 to 18.
A complete of 55 representatives from 18 nations are attending it.
Two worldwide organisations — Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery towards Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) and UN Office on Drugs and Crime-Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC-GMCP) are additionally collaborating in the assembly.
