New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to a “free, open, and secure maritime network” in a statement for ‘Sagarmanthan, The Ocean’s Dialogue, ’ the country’s inaugural maritime event. The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s vision for the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions is resonating worldwide, fostering unity and cooperation among nations.
PM Modi expressed that the ‘Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative’ aims to position marine resources as crucial to economic growth. This dialogue, he noted, strengthens the rules-based global order while promoting peace, trust, and friendship across borders.
The Prime Minister, addressing the event remotely from Nigeria, emphasized the role of initiatives like Sagarmanthan in building partnerships that contribute to a prosperous future. “As we strive to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, dialogues such as Sagarmanthan are invaluable to build consensus, partnerships, and most importantly, a prosperous future, ” he stated, expressing confidence that these discussions would have a lasting impact worldwide.
Reflecting on India’s ancient maritime heritage, PM Modi cited the significance of historic port cities like Lothal and Dholavira, the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, and the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He remarked, “Oceans are a shared heritage for nations and societies, as well as the lifeline for international trade. The security and prosperity of nations today are closely tied to the oceans.”
The Prime Minister outlined steps taken over the past decade to bolster India’s maritime capabilities under the principles of “Ports of Prosperity, ” “Ports for Progress, ” and “Ports for Productivity.” India’s port capacity has doubled, with improvements in port efficiency, reduced turnaround times, and enhanced last-mile connectivity through expressways, railways, and river networks.
Union Minister for Shipping and Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal, praised PM Modi’s leadership and vision, stating, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been witnessing a transformational experience in the maritime sector.”
The two-day ‘Sagarmanthan’ event in New Delhi is bringing together maritime leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and scholars from around the globe, aiming to shape the future of maritime collaboration and strengthen global maritime networks.
