Modi chairs UNSC open debate on Maritime Security

UNITED NATIONS – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing an Open Debate at the UN Security Council on Maritime Security, on Monday called for a framework for mutual cooperation in order to conserve and utilize the shared maritime heritage, and outlined five basic principles.
“Oceans are our shared global commons, they are also the lifeline of international trade. Above all they are key to our planet’s future. However, this common maritime heritage faces various types of threats”, including piracy and terrorism and maritime disputes between countries.

Speaking on behalf of India, Modi outlined five basic principles, including the removal of barriers to legitimate maritime trade, disputes should be resolved peacefully, which is very important to promote trust and ensure global peace and security, jointly combat maritime threats from natural disasters and non-state actors, need to conserve maritime environment and oceans, and creation of structures for maritime trade.

He said maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully. “It is very important to promote trust and ensure global peace and stability. It was with this understanding and maturity, that India resolved its maritime dispute with Bangladesh,” he said.

He voiced confidence that the high level debate would provide the necessary inputs to formulate a joint policy on maritime security

The open debate was on the topic ‘Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation’. India is holding the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of August.