Hyderabad: In a first for an Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will on Monday chair the High-level Open Debate on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation’ video conferencing. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 5.30 pm, is expected to be attended by several heads of state and government of member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and high-level briefers from the UN system and key regional organisations, the Prime Minister's Office said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are among the dignitaries who will share the screen with Modi during the meeting.
The open debate will focus on ways to effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthen coordination in the maritime domain. The UNSC has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime, the PMO said. "Given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the UNSC. A comprehensive approach to Maritime Security should protect and support legitimate maritime activities while countering traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime domain," it noted.
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The PMO's office pointed out that the oceans have played an important part in India’s history, right from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. In 2015, the prime minister had put forward the vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region’ (SAGAR) to focus on cooperative measures for sustainable use of the oceans and provide a framework for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain in the region.
India on August 1 took over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council from France. This is India’s first presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The country will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure. Maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism are the three key areas India will focus on during its presidency.
