DEFENCE
From Lothal to the horseshoe table: India’s
maritime journey
On August 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
presided over the United Nations Security Council debate on “Enhancing Maritime
Security: A Case for International Cooperation”. In more ways than one, this
was a historic first.
To begin with, it was the first time that
an Indian Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the UNSC. It was also the first
time that maritime security was discussed under the agenda item of
international peace and security. While the council has in the past discussed
issues related to piracy and armed robbery at sea, this was the first such
holistic discussion. And finally, to mark the convening of this event by India,
the Council adopted a Presidential Statement on Maritime Security — first such
UNSC outcome document on the subject — with the unanimous consent of all 15
member states.
The UNSC Presidential Statement reaffirmed
that international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the
Sea, sets out the legal framework applicable to oceanic endeavours. It drew
attention to the use of the sea by terrorists, as was the case in the 26/11
Mumbai terror attacks, and called for capacity building and sharing of
effective practices to combat such crimes. Further, it took note of the
continuing problem of transnational organised crime at sea. It emphasised
safeguarding legitimate uses of oceans, the lives and livelihoods of seafarers
and coastal communities.
The event saw high-level participation from
UNSC member states, with four Heads of State / Government and 10 ministers
present. This reflected India’s international standing as well as the global
stature of our Prime Minister. In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi proposed
five principles, as a framework for international cooperation in maritime
security. These included the need for removing barriers to legitimate maritime
trade; resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with
international law; jointly fighting maritime threats from natural disasters and
non-state actors; conserving maritime environment and resources; and promoting
responsible maritime connectivity.
These five principles are a natural
extension of India's stated positions on enhancing maritime security. It was in
2015 that the PM had first enunciated the concept of SAGAR or ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’.
This was followed by his 2018 Shangri-La
Dialogue speech in Singapore, where he outlined India's Indo-Pacific
Vision. In 2019, the PM launched the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative’ at
the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, proposing seven pillars for cooperation among
states in the maritime domain.With a coastline of over 7,500 kms, comprising
1,200 islands, the oceans have always been central to India’s ethos. Our rich
maritime history goes back to at least the 3rd millennium BC, when the
inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilization engaged in maritime trade with
Mesopotamia. The archaeological remains of the world's first dock at Lothal in
Gujarat bear testimony to India’s prowess as a sea-faring nation even thousands
of years ago. Today, almost 90% of India's international trade is through
maritime routes. It’s in our interest that the sea lanes are rendered as
pathways to mutual prosperity and corridors for peace.
India has made its mark as a net provider
of security in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, including as a first
responder for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. India’s swift
response to recent requests from its neighbours in the western Indian Ocean is
in conformity with the PM’s vision of both SAGAR and ‘Vasudeva Kutumbkam’. The
Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram has
become a hub for maritime information exchange, with several countries
deploying liaison officers. The Indian Navy has intensified anti-piracy
operations, while also providing training and capacity building assistance to
partner countries. Marine pollution control is a new element, where India has
responded to calls for assistance by Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
As several speakers at Monday’s UNSC debate
noted, India’s success in steering the council to discuss an issue that had
remained outside its consideration represented a remarkable breakthrough.
Previous attempts to get the council to deliberate on maritime security did not
succeed due to differing perceptions among members, particularly the P-5.
Monday’s debate did bring out the fault lines clearly. Yet, the council adopted
an outcome document in the form of a Presidential Statement by consensus.
India’s global stature and its constructive bridging role made the difference,
proving that intractable global issues can indeed be progressed.
By successfully hosting this Presidency
Open Debate, India has established its credentials as a responsible actor on
the world stage. A positive outcome from the first signature event of our Presidency
has only strengthened our belief that myriad global challenges can be addressed
and resolved through a reformed UNSC, reflective of contemporary realities. And
with India taking its rightful place at the famed Horseshoe
Table as a permanent member.
