Live: Need to remove barriers to legitimate maritime trade, says PM Modi at UNSC debate

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi chaired a UNSC high-level Open Debate on maritime security which started at 5:30 pm on Monday (August 9). He became the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate. 

PM Modi underlined five principles that need to be followed in terms of maritime trade and security including free legitimate maritime trade and the creation of a framework to deal with natural disasters and other maritime threats.

The meeting was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh and the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi were some of the other dignitaries to participate in the event.

Here are the latest updates:

* The open debate is on the topic - "Enhancing Maritime Security  A Case for International Cooperation" which is being conducted via video conferencing.

* "Given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council," a statement from PMO said.

* PM Modi thanked UN Secretary-General and other attendees present at the meet.

* Oceans are extremely important for our planet’s future: PM Modi

* Maritimes routes are being used for terrorism and piracy: PM Modi

* Climate change and natural disasters are major challenges: PM Modi

* We need a framework for mutual cooperation to conserve our shared maritime heritage: PM Modi

* Such a framework cannot be created by one country alone. It requires a combined effort: PM Modi

* I would like to put before you five basic principles. Firstly, we should remove barriers to legitimate maritime trade. The prosperity of all of us is dependent on the active flow of maritime trade. The bottlenecks in this can be a challenge for the entire global economy: PM Modi

* The second principle is that the settlement of maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of international law only. This is very important for mutual trust and confidence. This is the only way we can ensure global peace and stability: PM Modi

* The third principle is that we should face natural disasters and maritime threats created by non-state actors together. India has taken several steps to enhance regional cooperation on this. We have been the first responder in cyclone, tsunami and pollution-related maritime disasters: PM Modi

* The fourth principle is that we have to 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: PM Modi

* The fifth principle is that we should encourage responsible maritime connectivity: PM Modi

* It is clear that infrastructure creation 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: PM Modi

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