Mauritius:-Deeping India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean , PM Modi during his on going visit to Mauritius dedicated Coast ship Barracuda for making Indian Ocean Safer and more secure . Speaking on this occasion Modi said that this ship is a symbol of shared commitment to peace and shared commitment to peace and security He said ,” in doing so Mauritius will fulfill an important responsibility because Indian Ocean is critical to the future of the world “Today, the world speaks of 21st century driven by the dynamism and the energy of Asia and the Pacific. But, its course will be determined by the tides of the Indian Ocean. This is why Indian Ocean is at the centre of global attention more than ever before. We also see growing global stakes and presence in the Ocean. Even in this changing world, the oceans hold the key to its fortunes. And, we will all prosper when the seas are safe, secure and free for all.
To ensure this will be our greatest collective responsibility. But, we will also have to rise to other challenges that are not uncommon in our region. We have seen the tragedy of tsunamis and cyclones. Terror has visited us from sea. Piracy has taken toll of lives and trade on a scale that seemed beyond belief in modern era. Illegal fishing and oil spills hurt our economies. We all feel the rising impact of climate change on our coasts and islands. We have also seen that instability and turmoil in coastal and island states can have profound impact on security on the seas.
India has also started maritime security cooperation with Maldives and Sri Lanka and we hope that Mauritius, Seychelles and other nations in the region will also join this initiative. That is the central Ocean Economy is to us. For those who live by the ocean, climate change is not an issue of debate but a serious threat to existence. We must assume leadership in our region and call for a more concerted and fair global action to address the challenge of climate change. Our Indian Ocean Rim Association can be an important instrument for pursuing our vision for a sustainable and prosperous future in the region. We often define regional groupings around landmass. The time has come for a strong grouping around the Indian Ocean. We will pursue this with new vigour in the years ahead. There can be no better place to host the Secretariat for IORA than Mauritius. I am pleased that the Secretary General is from India. Five, those who live in this region have the primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. But, we recognize that there are other nations around the world, with strong interests and stakes in the region. India is deeply engaged with them. We do this through dialogue, visits, exercises, capacity building and economic partnership. Our goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation. We seek a future for Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. We should be inspired by Monsoon, which nurtures and connects us all in region. We will strive to unite our region in partnership, as we were once in geography. An Ocean that connects our world should become the pathway of peace and prosperity for all. It is no coincidence that I speak of our hopes for the Indian Ocean Region in Mauritius. Our partnership with Mauritius is among our strongest maritime relationships in this world. Our partnership will grow. We will together build our capabilities. We will also train and patrol the seas together. But, the foundation of this partnership is larger. It is our shared values and a common vision. It is our willingness to look beyond our own domain to assume our responsibility for the region.
Mauritius is a key leader for a secure and sustainable future for the Indian Ocean. We in India are proud to be your partner.
