New York [US], May 21 (ANI): India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized India’s proactive role in ensuring maritime security while delivering the country’s statement during a UN Security Council Open Debate. Harish outlined that India’s maritime security approach is guided by a holistic strategy rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Maritime security is a cornerstone of economic growth as critical trade routes, energy supplies, and geopolitical interests are tied to the oceans. India, having a long coastline, extensive seafarer community, and capable maritime forces, is actively pursuing its role as a responsible maritime power to safeguard its interests and address emerging threats,” said Harish.
He stated that India’s maritime strategy is both broad and multifaceted, addressing traditional threats from state actors as well as non-traditional threats such as piracy, smuggling, illegal human migration, IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, maritime incidents, hybrid threats, and terrorism.
Acknowledging Greece’s initiative in spotlighting maritime security at the debate, Harish recalled that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first brought the issue to the UN Security Council’s forefront during India’s presidency in 2021.
Harish reiterated India’s five fundamental principles for maritime security. These include the removal of barriers to legitimate maritime trade, peaceful settlement of disputes under international law, joint efforts to address natural disasters and threats from non-state actors, preservation of marine environments and resources, and promotion of responsible maritime connectivity.
He affirmed India’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international pronouncements and a rules-based order, highlighting India’s adherence to UNCLOS, adopted on December 10, 1982.
“In furtherance of this objective, India is committed to an effective role in the region by undertaking various capacity-building initiatives focused on addressing contemporary security challenges and enhancing combat and governance capabilities,” he added.
Harish noted that India’s maritime security strategy is guided by Prime Minister Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — which underscores strong surveillance, coordinated responses, and regional cooperation.
“India is actively involved in numerous maritime security missions and conducts joint naval exercises with partners across regional and global levels. These efforts target non-traditional threats such as piracy and natural disasters, and promote peace and stability in the region,” he said.
Harish also detailed the Indian Navy’s increased presence in the Western Arabian Sea in response to rising incidents of piracy and attacks on commercial vessels. Over the past year, the Navy has deployed more than 35 ships, conducted over 1,000 boarding operations, responded to more than 30 maritime incidents, rescued over 520 lives regardless of nationality, and escorted 312 merchant vessels carrying 11.9 million metric tons of cargo worth over USD 5.3 billion.
He further highlighted India’s commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
Touching on India’s humanitarian outreach, Harish referenced Operation Sadbhav, launched in September 2024 to assist Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar following devastating floods caused by Typhoon Yagi. He also mentioned AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement), a major multilateral naval exercise with ten African nations aimed at fostering collaboration, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening bilateral relations.
In closing, Harish affirmed that maritime security and counter-terrorism are vital to India’s national and economic interests, adding that India’s evolving strategy balances strong defense capabilities with regional diplomacy, international partnerships, and robust domestic infrastructure to meet emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
(ANI)
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