Sagar Discourse 1.0 begins deliberation on ocean resources and security
Emerging security challenges
from sea, sky, and space faced by the world needs to be addressed by a doctrine
to explore a solution, said M.J. Akbar, Honourable Minister of State for
External Affairs, Government of India, late Thursday.
Speaking at the inaugural
session of the 3-day Sagar Discourse 1.0 with participants from 22 countries
and organized by Forum for Integrated National Security – a non-governmental
think tank, Minister Akbar said, “Sea, Sky, space and security do not have
boundaries. Hence, to create harmony rather than conflict, we need a doctrine.”
Sharing his thoughts on the
modern era conflict, he pointed out that the solution lies in addressing the
economic aspiration of the masses and those countries who will not address it
will be in terrible state
As land gets exhausted and
green becomes brown, the only option left for us is blue referring to the sea
and its resources, he said.
Referring to the geographical
map of India, Minister Akbar said, “We are trapped in the landmass map of
India. But Indian land map is more secured and strategically, we must look at
the sea map of India, which is much bigger and extends it reach from the Gulf
to Straits of Malacca.
Wishing the conclave all
success, Manohar Parrikar, Honourable Chief Minister of Goa in his address
referred to 60% of the world trade passing through the Indian ocean and the
need for ocean security beyond military and from an economic perspective. He
sought good solutions from Sagarmanthan (churn) and derive amrit (Nector) from
the 3-day Sagar Discourse.
In his welcome address, Lt.
General, Dr. D.B. Shekatkar (Retd.), President of Forum for Integrated National
Security pointed out that in the world map there are 8 choke points – 3 in
Europe and 5 in Mediterranean and Straits of Malacca. Unlike in the 19th
and 20th century, he who rules the sea rules the world, but now it is now the
one who can influence the sea can influence the world, he said.
“Some countries are generating
an element of insecurity and for fear of economic sanctions 60% of the world is
being governed by few nations. Land mass from the Mediterranean Sea to Pacific
Ocean is facing situations and emerging trends are not conducive to global
peace, stability, progress and prosperity. Temptations and desires for
expansion of self-proclaimed and self-defined national interest by selected few
countries also need respected limits and boundaries. In the Mediterranean Sea,
if we do not anticipate and predict, we will have ourselves to blame,” Dr
Shekatkar said.
In his key note address, Dr
Prabhakaran Paleri, convenor of Sagar Discourse and Vice President – Strategic
Research, Forum for Integrated National Security called for landlocked nations
to participate in shipping and shipping infrastructure.
“This could be done either by
entering in the commercial shipping trade with the help of friendly partners
and also encourage citizens to take up shipping employment through indigeneous
maritime education and training. Most of the landlocked nations are members of
International Maritime Organisation and adhere to maritime law and treaty obligations,”DrPalleri
said.
Dr Paleri also called for
corporate ocean responsibility on the lines of corporate social responsibility
and cautioned that humans are already late in appreciating the health of the
ocean.