30-May-2022: Maritime preparedness in ever-changing global situation must to safeguard national interest: Raksha Mantri at 39th Commanders’ Conference of Indian Coast Guard
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in New Delhi on May 30, 2022. Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, DG ICG Shri VS Pathania and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and the ICG were present on the occasion. In his address, the Raksha Mantri commended the professionalism and dedication of the ICG and said that its unparalleled performance has made it one of the best and largest Coast Guards of the world.
The Raksha Mantri stressed on the need to maintain maritime preparedness in the constantly-changing global scenario, terming it as a crucial aspect which safeguards the economic and strategic interests of a nation. He pointed out that there has been a shift in India’s maritime security needs due to the ever-evolving global situation.
Recalling the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Shri Rajnath Singh said, the incident showed that for a long time the country’s orientation was focused on the security of land borders and not much attention was paid to coastal security. He lauded the ICG for continuously enhancing its capability in the last few years in line with the Government’s vision and playing a key role in bolstering coastal security. Due to these efforts, the country has not witnessed any terror activity from the sea route since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, he said.
The Raksha Mantri shared his views on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, terming the region as an important aspect of India’s maritime security. “The growing regional and global trade in this region has brought forth new challenges. Geopolitical tensions and clash of strategic interests have led to traditional security challenges. Terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy are some non-traditional challenges in front of us today. The entire region is being affected by these challenges. Being a responsible maritime power, we have a clear interest to create a rule-based, peaceful and stable environment. Such a rule based environment is essential for both regional and global prosperity. In such a situation, the ICG has a big role to play,” he said.
On the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Shri Rajnath Singh said, India’s geographical location is crucial from the strategic and economic point of view. “Our long coastline with deep-water ports, a prosperous Exclusive Economic Zone and islands at both ends present a unique position. The IOR accounts for more than two-thirds of the world's oil shipments. One-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic pass through it. The safety of these sea routes is not only directly connected to our economic interests, but it also establishes India as a Net Security Provider in IOR,” he stated.
The Raksha Mantri emphasised that the role of the ICG is not only limited to coastal areas, describing them as the protectors of India’s national interests and sovereign rights in the territorial seas and Exclusive Economic Zone. “There have been no reports of any breach in coastal security in the last 14 years due to the ICG’s dynamic strategy and its cooperation with the Indian Navy &local administration,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is based on the spirit of friendship, openness, dialogue, co-existence with the neighbours. It is our main responsibility which is being fulfilled by the ICG successfully, he said.
Pointing out that India has emerged as a strong and reliable investment destination due to the Government’s efforts, Shri Rajnath Singh said, the country’s true potential can only come to the fore if a safe, secure and rule-based maritime environment is provided to the country’s economy, especially the Blue economy. He exhorted the ICG to strive towards maintaining order along the country’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone to achieve this objective.
The Raksha Mantri also pointed out that as the pressure on mainland resources is increasing, countries around the world are turning to sea for sustenance. Deep sea exploration has further increased the competition for marine resources, he said while underlining the increasing role of marine exploration, resource exploitation and conservation.
Shri Rajnath Singh praised the ICG for playing an incomparable role in assisting the civil administration during natural calamities; the efforts which extend to littoral neighbours as well. More than 3,000 fishing boats, along with 24,000 fishermen, were brought to safety during devastating cyclones last year due to the preventive and measured response stance of ICG operations, he said. The Raksha Mantri lauded the ICG for achieving success in trade security, pollution control and environment protection.
The Raksha Mantri added that keeping in view all aspects such as security, trade, environment and humanitarian assistance, Ministry of Defence has sanctioned a large number of projects, including acquisition of Pollution Control Vessels and mid-term Life Upgradation of Dornier Fleet, to modernise the ICG. He appreciated the ICG’s efforts towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. “Today, the manufacturing and servicing/repairing of ships and aircraft of ICG is being done indigenously. The ICG is spending almost 90% of its capital budget on the development of indigenous assets,” he added.
Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the Government has tried to bring in an integrated approach and ICG is an integral stakeholder. The establishment and functioning of the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) is another milestone which has provided a boost to the protection of the country’s vast coastline. He hoped that the ICG, with its potent ships, aircraft and manpower, will continue to make invaluable contribution to the safety, security and growth of the nation.
The ICG Commanders conference is held annually, where all Regional Commanders put forth the roadmap for the future and discuss various policy & strategic issues. The conference aims to carve out a futuristic vision for the service and determine the modalities to overcome challenges efficiently.
16-Nov-2021: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium(IONS) - 2021 conclave of chiefs 15-16 Nov 21, Paris, France
The 7th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs is being hosted by French Navy at Paris from 15 - 16 Nov 21. Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, is leading a two member Indian Naval delegation for this Conclave.
The Conclave of Chiefs is being attended by Chiefs of Navies/ Heads of Lead Maritime Agencies of IONS nations. Various bilateral interactions are also being conducted on the side-lines of the Conclave to facilitate a greater degree of maritime cooperation and understanding between the IONS nations. The 7th edition of IONS Symposium was held at Le-Reunion from 28 Jun - 01 Jul 21 in hybrid format due to COVID protocols. During the Symposium, it was agreed upon to conduct the extant Conclave of Chiefs at Paris.
IONS was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 as a forum which seeks to enhance maritime co-operation among Navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region by providing an open and inclusive platform for discussions on regionally relevant maritime issues that would lead to common understanding on the way ahead. The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with Indian Navy as the Chair for two years. The IONS Chair is presently held with France.
1-Jul-2021: 7th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
The 7th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a biennial event, was hosted by the French Navy at La Réunion from 28 June to 01 July 2021. Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, participated virtually in the inaugural session of the event and provided his congratulatory remarks to the Outgoing and Incoming Chairmen.
IONS, conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008, seeks to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the IOR by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues that would lead to common understanding on the way ahead. The chairmanship of IONS has been held by India (2008-10), UAE (2010-12), South Africa (2012-14), Australia (2014-16), Bangladesh (2016-18) and Islamic Republic of Iran (2018-21). France has assumed the Chairmanship on 29 Jun 21 for a two-year tenure.
During the Symposium, SME presentations were made by French Institute of International Relations - Observatoire du Climat, European Union, Indian Ocean Commission, IFC Singapore, RMIFC Madagascar and EU led Critical Maritime Routes Indian Ocean (CRIMARIO). The Symposium also held panel discussions themed on the three IONS working Groups viz., HADR, Maritime Security and Information Sharing & Interoperability. The Naval Maritime Foundation (NMF) also participated in the Panel Discussion on HADR.
IONS Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) is the decision-making body at the level of Chiefs of Navies, which meets biennially. 6th IONS and CoC was conducted by Iran Navy in April 2018 at Tehran. Owing to the pandemic, the CoC 2021, will be hosted by French Navy later this year.
7-Jan-2019: Bandar Abbas to host IONS next month
IONS is a voluntary move to increase maritime cooperation between naval forces in coastal countries around the Indian Ocean and is a comprehensive symposium for discussing and exchanging regional information.
This symposium is composed of representatives from 24 member states and eight observer countries. This symposium provides necessary information available among naval experts which will create common understanding and multilateral solutions as well.
1-Nov-2014: 10th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium to be Hosted on 13-14 November 2018
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is an inclusive and voluntary initiative that brings together navies of littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region with the aim of increasing maritime cooperation and enhancing regional security. It is a forum for discussion, policy formulation as well as numerous aspects of naval operations, all of which are crucial elements of a cooperative mechanism.
The inaugural IONS was held on 14 February 2008 in New Delhi with the then Chief of the Naval Staff as the Chairman of the forum for the period from 2008 to 2010. Since then, the chairmanship of IONS has been tenanted by the navies of the UAE, South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh and Iran. This unprecedented initiative has grown in significance and has been whole-heartedly accepted across the Indian Ocean Region, establishing itself as an effective platform for discussion and deliberation on issues related to maritime security. Today, IONS has 24 member and 08 observer nations that are geographically grouped into four sub-regions, namely South-Asian, West Asian, East African, South East Asian & Australian Littorals.
Over the past few years, the three IONS Working Groups (IWGs) have done exemplary work on Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as well as Information Sharing and Interoperability. IWG on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, which is ‘Chaired’ by India, have evolved the Draft IONS HADR Guidelines and conducted a multi-lateral table-top exercise in September 2018. In November 2017 International Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise by Bangladesh marked the first operational exercise under IONS Charter and is likely to be followed up by ‘Anti-Piracy’ exercise in Mid 2019 by Iran. These regional initiatives underscore the overwhelming success of the forum in delivering its envisaged aims.
Year 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the IONS. This anniversary is planned to be commemorated on 13th and 14th November 2018 at Kochi in a manner befitting the status of India as a nation rising rapidly in geopolitical significance, and the Indian Navy as a leading maritime force of the region. Invitations were extended to all IONS nations and it is expected that almost all nations will be represented at the commemorative event. The encouraging response is acknowledgement of the trust imposed in India as a reliable partner for growth by nations of the region and the Indian Navy as an enabler of peace and stability.
The commemoration programme includes a seminar hosted by the Indian Navy on the theme ‘SAGAR’ or Security and Growth for all in the Region and a Tall Ship regatta from Kochi to Muscat and back, covering a distance of over 3000 nautical miles. A cultural evening is also planned showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest for IONS 10th anniversary commemorative events.
26-Sep-2018: Working group meeting on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (27 – 28 September 2018)
In the series of meetings of IONS Working Group (IWG) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), the 3rd meeting is scheduled at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Vishakhapatnam from 27 to 28 September 2018. IONS, the 21st century’s first significant international maritime security initiative launched in February 2008, provides a forum for discussion of regional maritime issues and promotes friendly relationships among member nations. It presently has 24 members and eight observer navies.
Participants from the IWG member nations including Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Oman and Thailand, will be participating in the two day event. The ‘Guidelines on HADR for IONS nations’, prepared by the Indian Navy will be validated by conduct of a Table Top Exercise as part of the meeting. The participants will also exchange lessons learnt during the conduct of HADR operations by respective navies with special reference to galvanizing the IONS efforts to respond in a faster and coordinated manner.
28-Jul-2021: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addresses SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on July 28, 2021Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said, Terrorism is the most serious threat to international peace and security. “Any act of terror and support to such acts, including cross border terrorism, committed by whomsoever, wherever and for whatever motives, is a crime against humanity,” he added. The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed India’s resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised, “India accords high priority to the consolidation of trust in the security domain within SCO as well as strengthening ties with SCO partners bilaterally on the basis of equality, mutual respect and understanding.” The challenge today is not just one of concepts and norms, but equally of their sincere practice, he added.
Raksha Mantri congratulated Member-States of the SCO on successful completion of 20 years of its existence. He said that though India joined the organisation in 2017, historical and civilisational relations and geographical connects make India inseparable from the SCO.
Stressing on the importance of the regional group, Shri Rajnath Singh said, “The SCO Nations, together, encompass nearly half the human population on our planet. In terms of geography, it covers approximately three fifths of the Eurasian continent. We, therefore, have collective stakes to create a safe, secure and stable region that contributes towards progress and improvement of human development indices of our people and the generations which will follow.” He pointed out that it is in the same spirit India helps people of Afghanistan, which is facing violence and devastation over decades. So far India completed 500 projects in Afghanistan and continuing with some more with total development aid of US dollar 3 billion.
Speaking about geo-strategic location of India that makes it both a Eurasian land power and also a stake-holder in the Indo-Pacific, the Raksha Mantri said, “Our intent and aspirations are therefore focused towards prosperity and development of the entire region. We affirm this intent through our national policy of Security and Growth for All in the Region, commonly known by the acronym SAGAR.” Security and Stability are most essential components to create conducive environment for growth and economic development of the region and of our respective Nations, he added.
Reiterating India’s resolve to work within the SCO framework for helping create and maintain a peaceful, secure and stable region, Shri Rajnath Singh said, “India also reiterate commitments to partner with fellow SCO Member-States to develop joint institutional capacities that respect individual national sensitivities and yet generate a spirit of cooperation to create contact and connectivity between people, societies and nations.”
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Raksha Mantri said “It has affected nations, civil societies and citizens in multiple ways. This is a warning sign of how non-traditional security challenges like pandemics, climate change, food security, water security and associated societal disruptions can impact national and international landscape.”
Shri Rajnath Singh said the Armed Forces and the Defence Research and Development Organisation played a stellar role in efforts against Covid-19. He said, “…During the global pandemic, India was able to provide support and assistance to countries around the world. This includes 6.6 crore doses of vaccines to 90 countries, support with medicine, medical consumables and equipment to 150 countries. We may mention the massive ‘Vande Bharat’ logistic service to move over 70 lakh stranded people, including foreigners, mostly by air route, but also by our ships in the Indian Ocean.”
Raksha Mantri assured, “India plans to produce well over 250 crore doses of vaccines between August and the end of 2021.We are determined to vaccinate at least 90 crore adult Indians and to help other friendly countries with vaccine.”
The Raksha Mantri called upon Member-Nations to evolve to meet the needs of its time. He said, “No institution, howsoever important, can remain frozen at the moment of its foundation. The inherent strength of SCO lies in the fact that Member-States participate in cooperation programme at their own pace and as per respective national policies. We are glad that SCO has evolved as truly an international organisation of significance.” Event of today is yet another step towards strengthening stability and security in the region. This will serve to further development of multilateral cooperation within the SCO format, he added.
27-Jul-2021: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to attend SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Tajikistan
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is visiting Dushanbe, Tajikistan from July 27-29, 2021 to attend the annual meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. In the annual meeting, defence cooperation issues among SCO member states are discussed and a communique is expected to be issued after the deliberations. Shri Rajnath Singh’s address at the meeting is slated for July 28, 2021.
During his visit to Dushanbe, the Raksha Mantri is also expected to meet his Tajik counterpart Col Gen Sherali Mirzo to discuss bilateral issues and other issues of mutual interest.
It may be recalled that Tajikistan is chairing the SCO this year and hosting series of Ministerial and official-level meetings.