New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation”. The prime minister focussed on freedom of navigation in international waters and securing existing trade routes from new challenges of nationalism and piracy. "Oceans are our shared heritage & our maritime routes are the lifelines of international trade. These oceans are very important for the future of our planet," PM Modi said.
"This shared heritage of ours (oceans) is facing several types of challenges. Maritime routes are being misused for piracy and terrorism," the prime minister said while addressing the issue of piracy emerging on established trade routes and terrorist organisations using open waters to smuggle weapons to destabilise legitimate governments.
The prime minister put forth five points for ensuring maritime security.
- Free maritime trade sans barriers so as to establish legitimate trade.
- Settlement of maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of international law only: PM Modi at UNSC
- Responsible maritime connectivity should be encouraged
- Need to collectively combat maritime threats posed by non-state actors and natural calamities
- Preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources
The prime minister also added, "Our prosperity depends on the active flow of maritime trade & barriers in this path can pose a challenge to the entire global economy. Free maritime trade is associated with the culture of India for time immemorial."
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