Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a free, open and rule-based global maritime order that promotes greater peace, progress and shared prosperity for all nations.
Modi made the remarks in a written message delivered by Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar at the third edition of ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ in New Delhi. The three-day dialogue is being organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation, with discussions focused on the future of the global maritime sector.
The Prime Minister said India believes the oceans should become a source of shared prosperity, with every country having a voice and an opportunity to grow. He said India is looking at the sea with a renewed sense of purpose as the maritime sector assumes greater importance for economies, people and the planet.
Modi highlighted the progress made in India’s port infrastructure, stating that the country’s major ports have nearly doubled their capacity while turnaround times have declined significantly. He also noted that Indian seafarers now constitute the second-largest maritime workforce in the world.
Describing India’s relationship with the sea as an ancient one, the Prime Minister said the oceans hold significant potential for the future of global economies and societies. He emphasised that developments in one part of the world’s oceans can have an impact far beyond national shores, making cooperation and dialogue important for the maritime sector.
Modi said India’s maritime vision is based on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit. As the country builds a stronger national economy, he said its outlook naturally extends across regions and oceans.
The Prime Minister also linked India’s maritime ambitions with the country’s broader development objective of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He said the journey towards a developed India is also a journey towards building a stronger and more capable maritime nation.
Alongside the expansion of its maritime economy, India is also focusing on the responsible use and protection of its ocean resources. Modi said the government has introduced new-generation maritime laws to establish a modern framework for the sector and is investing in ocean science and exploration to improve understanding and responsible utilisation of the country’s seas.
The dialogue is bringing together stakeholders to discuss trade, technology, sustainability and cooperation at sea. The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of growing global maritime interdependence and the need for stronger cooperation across countries and regions.
Modi said India’s maritime outlook extends beyond the country’s coastline, reflecting its historical links with the sea as well as its current economic and strategic interests. He reiterated that the oceans should connect nations through cooperation and become a foundation for shared growth and prosperity.
