“Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region”- to Preserve Integrity and Sovereignty
Rajnath Singh, the defense minister has expressed concerns about China’s dominance in the South China Sea and their exploitation of the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the principle of “Might is Right” has no place in fair maritime trade relations.
The South China Sea is the center of a growing international dispute, with China claiming sovereignty over a large portion of the region. This area is rich in hydrocarbons, making it a valuable resource for many countries. However, several nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, have competing claims to the same territory, leading to heightened tensions. As the dispute continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and searching for a peaceful resolution.
“IUU fishing endangers ocean ecosystems and sustainable fishery. It also threatens our economic security and regional and global food security. A multinational collaborative effort for the compilation and sharing of surveillance data is the need of the hour. It will help in identifying actors with irregular or threatening behavior, which will have to be countered resolutely,” Rajnath Singh said.
The Indian Ocean Region faces a range of shared maritime challenges such as climate change, drug trafficking, terrorism, overfishing, and freedom of commerce on high seas. As a solution, the Minister has called for the establishment of multinational collaborative mitigation frameworks. This will enable the region to effectively respond to these challenges.
“How do we build trust? We build trust through dialogues such as the GMC, joint exercises, industrial collaboration, sharing of resources, respecting international law, etc.,” said Singh.
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China has been exerting its influence on the maritime trade in the South China Sea, causing concern among other nations about their sovereignty. However, Adani Port has established a mega port in Vizinjam, which is expected to attract a large number of traders to India, potentially reducing China’s trade affairs.
“Our common security and prosperity cannot be preserved without all of us committing to cooperatively adhering to the legitimate maritime rules of engagement. Fair rules of engagement are crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring that no single country dominates others in a hegemonic manner,” he said.
Therefore, India must take measures to protect its sovereignty and secure its maritime interests, especially in light of China’s growing assertiveness in the region. India’s ability to safeguard its maritime borders and ensure safe passage for trade will be critical for its economic growth and national security. Hence, the minister has urged the Chiefs of Navies and maritime agencies of all the nations in the Indian Ocean region to come forward and abide by the maritime laws and regulations for governing fair and unhindered operations. To foster a conducive environment, all parties must recognize the significance of this regulatory framework for the safety and security of international maritime laws.
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