Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Tuesday that India's commitment towards a "free, open, and secure maritime network" was gaining international acceptability, whether it was in the Indian Ocean region or in the Indo-Pacific region.
Delivering his address for the maiden maritime conference, 'Sagarmanthan, The Ocean's Dialogue', organized in New Delhi, PM Modi averred, "The 'Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative' projects marine resources as a foundation for growth of nations. This ocean dialogue further strengthens the rules-based world order and increases peace, trust, and friendship between nations.
He writes from his camp office in Nigeria on the success of Sagarmanthan, visualizing it as a platform to foster partnerships contributing to humanity's future prosperity.
As we seek to create Viksit Bharat by 2047, dialogues like Sagarmanthan are more than worthwhile as they build consensus, partnerships, and most importantly, a prosperous future. I am optimistic that such dialogs will resonate widely across all stakeholders, paving the way for a brighter and a wellconnected future," the Prime Minister said.
Speaking on the country's extensive maritime heritage and progress in this sector, PM Modi said, "India has a maritime tradition that is several millennia old and some of the richest in the world. The port cities of Lothal and Dholavira that thrive, the fleets of the Chola dynasty, and the exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are great inspirations. Oceans are a shared heritage for nations and societies as well as the lifeline for international trade.
Acknowledging the role played by oceans in international security and prosperity, PM Modi referred to the transformative steps taken to advance India's maritime capabilities. "Today, the security and prosperity of nations is inextricably linked to oceans," he said, adding that, "Recognizing the potential of oceans, several transformative steps have been taken to bolster India's maritime capabilities.". In the last decade, he said that led by the vision of 'Ports of Prosperity, Ports for Progress and Ports for Productivity, we have doubled the capacity of our ports. "We enhanced the port efficiency, reduced turnaround times and strengthened last-mile connectivity through expressways, railways, and riverine networks. Thus, we transformed India's shoreline," he added.
Union Minister for Shipping and Ports Sarbananda Sonowal said the maritime sector has seen significant progress since PM Modi assumed the leadership. "Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been witnessing a transformational experience in the maritime sector. The message by the Prime Minister encapsulates the very essence that this maiden maritime thought leadership forum — Sagarmanthan — aims to achieve.
It offered the world's maritime leaders, policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars a platform to collaborate and exchange ideas over two days.
Read also| PM Modi Pays Tribute to Indira Gandhi on Her 107th Birth Anniversary
Read also| Delhi Congress Slams AAP as a 'Sinking Ship' After Gahlot's Resignation
