Nations' security, prosperity intimately connected to oceans, says Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, in a message from his Camp Office in Nigeria, emphasised the vital link between the security and prosperity of nations and their connection to the oceans. At the commencement of ‘Sagarmanthan, The Ocean's Dialogue,’ held in New Delhi, he highlighted the government's transformative steps to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities. He outlined that under the vision of 'Ports of Prosperity,' 'Ports for Progress,' and 'Ports for Productivity,' India's port capacity doubled in the last decade. These efforts have focused on improving port efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing last-mile connectivity via expressways, railways, and river networks, thus transforming India's coastline.

He also spoke of India’s rich maritime heritage, referencing ancient port cities like Lothal and Dholavira and the naval achievements of the Chola dynasty and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He stressed that oceans are a shared global heritage crucial for international trade. His vision for a free, open, and secure maritime network, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region, aligns with global peace, trust, and stability aspirations. He further highlighted that India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative views marine resources as essential for nations' economic growth. This dialogue on oceans, he added, supports a rules-based international order and fosters greater cooperation among nations for a peaceful future.

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