PM Modi to chair UNSC debate on maritime security
It marks an innovative use of diplomacy where a senior diplomat or a minister has traditionally performed this role
image for illustrative purpose
With India holding the presidency of the powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the first signature event under India's leadership of the council on the issue of Maritime Security, says a report.
PM Modi presiding (in virtual mode) over a high-level open debate at the UNSC marks an innovative use of diplomacy where a senior diplomat or a minister has traditionally performed this role. However, to keen observers of India's foreign policy and experts, the foreign policy under Narendra Modi has laid special emphasis on maritime security.
When asked on the importance and significance of the Prime Minister himself chairing a UNSC debate, unnamed sources in the Ministry of External Affairs explained, "we have to understand that India has a long history of being a seafaring nation. Exports from India and imports into India also primarily rely on marine routes. Therefore it should not come as surprise that India attaches the highest importance to issues of maritime security."
The subject to be deliberated upon by the UNSC members on the 9th of August is "Enhancing maritime security: A case for international cooperation" under the larger umbrella of the "Maintenance of international peace and security". This is seen as an extension of PM Modi's advocacy of SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region), a foreign policy initiative unveiled in 2015 in relation to the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
