New Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of adhering to international laws to establish a free and rule-based maritime order during his keynote address at the fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC). Singh called for the creation of multinational collaborative mitigation frameworks in the Indian Ocean Region to effectively address common maritime challenges. These challenges include issues like climate change, piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, over-fishing, and ensuring the freedom of commerce on high seas. He stressed that common maritime priorities must be addressed cooperatively, without being influenced by selfish interests that could hinder the region’s security and prosperity. Adherence to international maritime laws, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, was highlighted as essential. Singh stated, A free, open, and rule-based maritime order is a priority for all of us. ‘Might is right’ has no place in such a maritime order. Adherence to international laws and agreements must be our guiding principle. He further warned against flouting established international laws, as doing so could disrupt civilized maritime relations. Regarding climate change, the Defence Minister proposed a collaborative mitigation framework where countries work together to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable practices. Singh also addressed the challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. He emphasized the need for multinational collaborative efforts to compile and share surveillance data, identifying actors engaged in irregular or threatening behavior. To establish these mitigation frameworks, Singh called for collaboration, resource sharing, and the exchange of expertise among nations. He emphasized the distinction between narrow national self-interest and mutual benefit based on the enlightened self-interest of all nations.
