Minister Of Defence (MoD) Addressed the Second Edition of The Biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Minister Of Defence (MoD) Addressed the Second Edition of The Biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference

Posted 20 Sep 2024

2 min read

Naval Commanders’ Conference is an apex-level biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational and administrative issues among the Naval Commanders. 

  • The MoD lauded the Indian Navy’s readiness towards safeguarding the maritime interests of the country, which has resulted in establishing its credibility as the first responder in the Indian-Ocean Region (IOR). 

Importance of Indian-Ocean Region

  • Geopolitical: IOR is emerging as a new theatre for geo-political competition between global powers e.g., USA, France etc.
    • Hence, it is crucial for pursuing India’s vision of a net security provider, while also containing the rising footprint of China.
  • Security: Incidents like piracy, hijacking, drone attacks, missile attacks and disruption of sea cable connections in the seas make it extremely sensitive.
  • Economic: With 1/3rd of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and 2/3rd of the world’s oil shipments, IOR remains an important lifeline to international trade and transport.
  • Climate Security: Indian Ocean has warmed faster than any other ocean since 1950s (IPCC report 2021). 
    • Prompt Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) by India is critical for sustaining its credibility as the first responder in the region.

India’s initiatives to Establish leadership in IOR

  • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), an inter-governmental organisation established in 1997 to strengthen regional cooperation within IOR.
  • Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) hosted by the Indian Navy to further maritime safety and security in IOR.
  • MAHASAGAR (Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region), Indian Navy's outreach initiative. 
  • Neighbourhood First policy, SAGAR, HADR initiatives (like Vaccine Maitri, Operation Karuna, etc.)
  • Tags :
  • IFC-IOR
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
  • SAGAR doctrine
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