Secure Sea Lanes Key to Indian Ocean Prosperity: Rajnath Singh

• Rajnath Singh highlighted maritime security, freedom of navigation and uninterrupted trade as priorities for the Indian Ocean Region.
• India and Sri Lanka will seek stronger coordination to respond to emerging maritime threats.
• Bilateral cooperation already covers search and rescue, counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and human trafficking.
• Singh proposed integrated Maritime Domain Awareness and a joint maritime HADR mechanism.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Sept: India and Sri Lanka must strengthen their maritime partnership to preserve stability and promote economic growth across the Indian Ocean Region, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said during his visit to Sri Lanka on September 9.

Speaking at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo, Singh said the safety of sea routes, freedom of navigation, adherence to international law and uninterrupted maritime commerce are fundamental to the region’s collective security and prosperity. He called for closer cooperation to identify and tackle emerging maritime challenges before they threaten development and economic interests.

Singh said security and economic progress are closely interconnected and influenced by regional geography. While India and Sri Lanka have expanded their capabilities through capacity-building initiatives and joint exercises, he stressed the need to further develop their defence and strategic partnership, particularly in the maritime domain.

He called for the two countries to establish joint protocols, improve operational skills and exchange experience regularly in response to changing regional and global security conditions. Such efforts, he said, are central to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, which places cooperation and shared progress at the heart of maritime engagement.

The Raksha Mantri pointed to the progress already made in India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, including search and rescue missions that have helped save lives at sea. The two countries are also cooperating against narcotics trafficking, piracy and human trafficking. Singh said these efforts acquire added significance through the Colombo Security Conclave, which addresses maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and organised crime.

He cited the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, established with cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, as a concrete example of their joint commitment to maritime safety. India, he added, remains prepared to support Sri Lanka through capacity building, joint exercises and other initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime capabilities.

Looking ahead, Singh proposed developing an integrated and mutually beneficial Maritime Domain Awareness system between the two countries. Real-time information sharing among navies, coast guards and other agencies could help counter illegal fishing, track suspicious vessels and tackle narcotics trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and other maritime threats.

He also said maritime cooperation should address issues affecting fishermen while extending into aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, environmental conservation and maritime tourism.

Singh further suggested examining the possibility of a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) system, which could bring relevant agencies together for faster and coordinated responses to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Observing that the Indian Ocean is undergoing major strategic and economic changes, Singh said India and Sri Lanka should combine their respective capabilities and use their longstanding maritime partnership to convert emerging challenges and opportunities into shared growth.

Describing India as a “Vishwa Mitra”, or trusted global friend, Singh reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to being a dependable and constructive partner in the shared neighbourhood. He said maritime security and mutual prosperity are closely connected and expressed confidence that India and Sri Lanka can jointly contribute to peace, security and stability throughout the Indian Ocean Region.

During his visit, Singh received a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence. He also paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Battaramulla, laying a wreath in memory of personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.