Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Prime Minister welcomes global leaders in this 'Thought Leadership Conference' and mentions port development and new maritime laws
- India's ocean vision spans across regions and oceans and is based on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and benefit: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed policy-makers, maritime leaders and experts from across the world in the third edition of ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’. He called for a “free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order” that brings peace and prosperity to all nations.
In a written message sent to the conference, Prime Minister Modi said, "Our vision is of a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order that brings comprehensive peace, prosperity and progress for all. I am confident that 'Sagarmanthan' will further strengthen this broader vision." The conference is being organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi said that events happening in one part of the world can have an impact on far-flung areas as well. Therefore, global dialogue and cooperation on oceans is more important than ever. Shri Modi said that the name ‘Sagarmanthan’ has special significance in the Indian tradition, because churning is related to the discovery of new possibilities. He said the oceans held “immense potential” for the world's economies, people and planet.
The Prime Minister wrote, "India's relationship with the oceans is also one of responsibility. While we are now building a strong ocean economy, we are also protecting the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems. India's ocean vision spans across regions and oceans and is based on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and benefit. We believe that the oceans should become a vehicle for shared prosperity, where every country is represented and has the opportunity to progress."
Shri Modi mentioned India's maritime history, from the ancient port city of Lothal to the Chola dynasty and the naval thinking of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He said that Indian sailors and traders took goods, ideas, stories and culture to far-flung areas. Prime Minister Modi linked the country's maritime ambitions to 'Developed India', the government's goal of making India a developed country by 2047.
Prime Minister Modi said that India's major ports have almost doubled their capacity, while the turnaround time has reduced significantly. He said, "India is looking at the ocean with a new purpose. The journey towards a 'Developed India' by 2047 is also a journey to build a stronger and more capable India in maritime matters. We are preparing for a new era of shipbuilding and green shipping. Our major ports have almost doubled their capacity, while the turnaround time has significantly reduced."
The government is also investing in oceanography and exploration to better understand the country's oceans and use them responsibly. Prime Minister Modi said, "India has also brought in a new generation of maritime laws with the aim of creating a modern framework for the sector. At the same time, we are also investing in oceanography and exploration so that we can better understand our oceans and responsibly harness their immense potential."
Shri Modi said that Indian seafarers have now become the second largest workforce in the maritime sector in the world and young Indians are earning respect in the oceans across the world. He said that India is protecting the health of the oceans and coastal ecosystems while building a strong maritime economy. He said that India's maritime vision is based on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and benefit.
Prime Minister Modi said, “We believe that the oceans should become a source of shared prosperity, where every country has its own voice and the opportunity to move forward.” He expressed confidence that 'Sagarmanthan' will strengthen this thinking and expressed hope that this dialogue will yield new ideas, forge deeper partnerships and create new opportunities for future generations.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
