On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level open debate on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation on August 9 (tomorrow) at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) via video conferencing.
According to a statement by MEA, the meeting would slated for 5:30 pm IST will focus on ways to effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity along with strengthening coordination in the maritime domain.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) added, “Modi would be the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate.” The meeting is expected to be attended by several heads of state as well as government of UNSC member states, high-level briefers from the United Nations system and key regional organizations.
The UNSC has already discussed and passed resolutions but maritime security will be discussed holistically as an exclusive agenda item in a high-level open debate for the very first time.
Furthermore, PMO said that since no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is essential to consider the subject in a holistic manner in the UNSC.
“A comprehensive approach to maritime security should protect and support legitimate maritime activities, while countering traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime domain”, it continued.