Safe sea route and uninterrupted trade essential: Rajnath

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has called for increased maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, calling for safe sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and uninterrupted maritime trade as essential for collective security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. Rajnath Singh, who is on a visit to Sri Lanka, said in a program held at the Ministry of Defense there on Wednesday that national security and economic development cannot be seen separately. He said that the two countries cannot remain neutral towards the situation in the region. He said that both countries have enhanced their capabilities through capacity building and joint exercises, but the defense and strategic partnership, especially in the maritime sector, needs to be further strengthened. Rajnath Singh said that India and Sri Lanka are connected by a common sea and maritime security affects the trade, security and future of both countries. He mentioned the cooperation of both countries in search and rescue operations and said that it has saved the lives of many people in the sea. The two countries are also cooperating in combating drug trafficking, piracy and human trafficking. He also highlighted the partnership between the two countries in the 'Colombo Security Conclave' focused on maritime security, counter-terrorism operations, cyber security and organized crime.
The Defense Minister described the 'Maritime Rescue Coordination Center' established with the cooperation of the two countries as an example of joint commitment to secure the Indian Ocean. He reiterated India's support in continuing to collaborate with Sri Lanka in capacity building and joint exercises, as well as improving protocols for joint initiatives. He also expressed the possibility of developing an integrated 'Maritime Domain Awareness' system between India and Sri Lanka sharing comprehensive maritime information in real time. It will help in combating illegal fishing, surveillance of suspicious vessels, drug trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other security threats.

On the disputes related to fishermen, Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for a win-win solution for both countries, keeping in mind the respective laws and geographical jurisdiction. He said that instead of limiting maritime cooperation to security, it should be extended to economic partnership in areas such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, oceanography, marine environment protection and marine tourism. He also suggested the creation of a joint maritime humanitarian assistance and disaster response system to rapidly deal with natural and man-made disasters.

Rajnath Singh said that in the era of strategic and economic transformation in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka have to bring together their capabilities to face the emerging challenges together. He said that the proximity of the two countries creates mutual dependence, which also provides great opportunities for joint development. He hoped that India and Sri Lanka are in a position to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Rajnath Singh was given a guard of honor on his arrival at the Ministry of Defence. He paid tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty by laying flowers at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial at Bataramulla.