Join hands to counter transnational crimes, make seas safer, says Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane to CSC nations

Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane on Thursday stressed the need for Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member nations to take concerted measures to counter transnational crimes and address identified areas to make the seas safer.

Inaugurating the maiden Coastal Security Conference (CoSC) organised by the Indian Coast Guard under the aegis of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) here, he highlighted the need to address common issues pertaining to the maritime safety and security, countering terrorism, transnational organised crime, cyber security, protection of critical coastal infrastructure and disaster relief.

The two-day conference being held under the theme: "Collaborative Efforts for Coastal Security," saw the participation of 4 member countries viz. India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Representatives from Bangladesh and Seychelles, observer countries of CSC, also participated.


Also, Aramane called upon the participating countries for enhanced collaboration between coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies.

He commended the Indian Coast Guard for establishing itself as strong professional force in just over four decades of its creation and collaborating with partner agencies in ensuring safe, secure and clean seas.

Further, he laid emphasis on addressing the maritime security by removing barriers from legitimate maritime trade, settle maritime disputes by peaceful means through international law, mitigating natural disasters and maritime threats, and encouraging responsible maritime connectivity and increase maritime trade through creation of sustainable infrastructure, as stressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri emphasised on the collaboration amongst all Coast Guard functionaries for enhancing regional maritime security.

Director General, Indian Coast Guard V S Pathania said CoSC facilitates in arriving at a consensus to ensure maritime safety and security.

Heads of marine police, representatives from other national and state stakeholder ministries also participated.

A range of issues including coastal security threat, collaborative response, international maritime law and role of empowered agencies, technological solutions for coastal security, realisation of blue economy through coastal security and envisaged domains for cooperation to address region coastal security concerns were discussed.

The coming together of Indian Ocean region countries in the conference indicated the development of sub-regionalism on a common maritime and security platform and is significant in a wider global context of progressing the prominence of coast guard to coast guard cooperation, a release said. PTI JSP ROH JSP KH KH