Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presided the United Nation Security Council. It is the first time when an Indian Prime Minister is heading such an event.
At the security council meeting PM Modi discussed problems related to the maritime trade. PM Modi, addressing the world leaders said, “The ocean is our common heritage. Our sea routes are the lifeline of international trade. And, the biggest thing is that these seas are very important for the future of our planet. But today our shared maritime heritage is facing many challenges.”
PM Modi proposed five principles to combat maritime issues.
Remove barriers from legitimate maritime trade
“The prosperity of all of us is dependent on the active flow of maritime trade. Blockage of free flow can be a challenge for the entire global economy”, Modi said.
PM Modi reminded the attendees that the free maritime trade is associated with Indian ethos. “Thousands of years ago, the Lothal port of the Indus Valley Civilization was associated with maritime trade”, he further added.
International disputes should be resolved through international law
PM Modi said that the international disputes should only be resolved by the means on international laws to ensure mutual trust and confidence. This can be an important catalyst in prevailing “global peace and stability.”
Collaboration to cope up the maritime threats by non-state actors
PM Modi asked for the joint efforts from all the UNSC members to combat the maritime threats by non-state actors. “The Indian Navy has been patrolling in the Indian Ocean since 2008 to prevent piracy”, PM told the UNSC members.
Preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources
“As we know, the oceans have a direct impact on the climate. And therefore, we have to keep our maritime environment free from pollution like plastics and oil spills. And take joint steps against over-fishing and marine poaching. At the same time, we should also increase cooperation in ocean science”, PM Modi said at the meeting.
Encourage responsible maritime connectivity
“We should encourage responsible maritime connectivity. It is clear that the creation of infrastructure is necessary to increase maritime trade. But, the fiscal sustainability and absorption capacity of the countries have to be kept in mind in the development of such infrastructure projects. For this we should make proper global norms and standards.”
The president of Russia, the President of Kenya, and the Prime Minister of Vietnam among the other world leaders were present at the UNSC meeting.
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