Colombo, Sep 9 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are crucial for the collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and called for enhanced maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Addressing senior Sri Lankan defence officials at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, are well positioned to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability across the region.
He stressed the need for the two countries to strengthen their longstanding defence and strategic partnership, with a particular focus on maritime security.
“Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal for collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.
The minister said national security and economic growth are intrinsically linked to geography and security, and neither India nor Sri Lanka can remain indifferent to developments in the region.
He called for developing joint protocols, enhancing skills and sharing experiences to deal with emerging maritime threats before they develop into serious challenges to the developmental interests of the two countries.
Singh said the two sides need to develop new paradigms for a closer maritime partnership, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
“India and Sri Lanka are bound by the shared ocean, and maritime security is not a matter of abstract theory but a reality that shapes their trade, security and destinies,” he said.
The defence minister highlighted progress in bilateral maritime cooperation, particularly in search and rescue operations, which have helped save lives at sea.
He said India and Sri Lanka have also been cooperating in counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and combating human trafficking.
Singh said the Colombo Security Conclave, which focuses on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cyber security and organised crime, has acquired greater relevance in the evolving security environment.
He also highlighted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre established through cooperation between India and Sri Lanka as an example of the two countries’ commitment to maritime safety.
India is ready to assist Sri Lanka in capacity building and joint exercises and help strengthen protocols for effective implementation of joint initiatives, Singh said.
He also proposed closer cooperation towards developing an integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system that could provide real-time maritime information to relevant agencies, navies and coast guards of both countries.
Such cooperation, he said, could help address challenges including illegal fishing, tracking of suspicious vessels, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and terrorism.
On issues concerning fishermen from the two countries, Singh called for mutually beneficial solutions to fisheries disputes while keeping in view applicable laws and geographic jurisdictions.
He said maritime cooperation should extend beyond security to areas such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, protection of the maritime environment and maritime tourism.
Singh also suggested exploring a joint maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mechanism involving disaster management authorities, scientific organisations and other relevant agencies to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to natural and man-made disasters.
As the Indian Ocean undergoes major strategic and economic changes, India and Sri Lanka must work together to address emerging challenges and convert opportunities into shared growth, he said.
Describing India as a “Vishwa Mitra” or trusted global friend, Singh reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to playing a constructive and dependable role in the shared neighbourhood.
“Holistic maritime security and mutual prosperity are two sides of the same coin,” he said, expressing confidence that India and Sri Lanka can jointly safeguard peace, security and stability in the IOR.
Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and other senior officials attended the event.
Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour on his arrival at the Ministry of Defence. He also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Battaramulla and paid homage to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice during their service.—(NVI)
