PM Modi chairs debate at UN Security Council, puts forth 5 basic principles for maritime security

PM Modi virtually presided over a high-level open debate on maritime security at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on August 9, 2021.

The debate was titled "Enhancing Maritime Security- A Case for International Cooperation" and it focused on ways to effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity and strengthen the coordination in the Maritime domain.

The dialogue was attended by several heads of state and representatives of the United Nations Security Council. Key regional organisations also attended the debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation”. pic.twitter.com/QDTgOZ4uZm

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

Oceans are shared heritage: PM Modi at UNSC debate

Prime Minister Modi while presiding over the UNSC High-Level Open Debate stated that Oceans are our shared heritage and our maritime routes are the lifelines of international trade. He further added that these oceans are extremely significant for the future of Earth.

Oceans are our shared heritage & our maritime routes are the lifelines of international trade. These oceans are very important for the future of our planet: PM Modi at UNSC High-Level Open Debate on 'Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation' pic.twitter.com/pfH9vWhNbF

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

PM Modi while speaking at the debate further added that this shared heritage of oceans is facing severe challenges as maritime routes are being misused for piracy and terrorism.

This shared heritage of ours (oceans) is facing several types of challenges. Maritime routes are being misused for piracy and terrorism: PM Narendra Modi at UNSC High-Level Open Debate on 'Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation' pic.twitter.com/kq7VEsEG7K

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

1. Free maritime trade sans barriers so as to establish legitimate trades.

2. Settlement of the maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of the international law

3. Responsible maritime connectivity must be encouraged

4. The need to collectively combat the maritime threats that are posed by the non-state actors and the natural calamities

5. The need to preserve the maritime environment and maritime resources.

For maritime security, I would like to put forth 5 basic principles...1) Free maritime trade sans barriers so as to establish legitimate trade. 2) Settlement of maritime disputes should be peaceful and on the basis of international law only: PM Modi at UNSC pic.twitter.com/npVWGSbY9m

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

Prime Minister Modi further added that the barriers to maritime trade must be removed. The prosperity depends on the active flow of maritime trade & barriers in this path can challenge the entire global economy. Free maritime trade is associated with the culture of India for time immemorial.

We should remove barriers to maritime trade. Our prosperity depends on the active flow of maritime trade & barriers in this path can pose a challenge to the entire global economy. Free maritime trade is associated with the culture of India for time immemorial: PM Modi at UNSC pic.twitter.com/1rLl3T4In9

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

Inclusive framework on maritime security

Prime Minister Modi while speaking at the UNSC High-Level Open Debate said that India wants to make an inclusive framework on the maritime security in our region based on the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region). This vision is for a secure, safe, and stable maritime domain.

We want to make an inclusive framework on maritime security in our region based on the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region). This vision is for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain: PM Narendra Modi at a UNSC High-Level Open Debate pic.twitter.com/ALhVn2SNV6

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2021

First Indian PM to preside over UNSC debate:

Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that it will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister will chair an open debate at the United Nations Security Council. 

For the first time, maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item at such a high level. Oceans have played a significant part in India's history right from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization.

India as a non-permanent member of UNSC:

India assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for August. The country commenced its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on January 1, 2021.

It is also India’s seventh term on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. The country has previously been a member of the UNSC in 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, and 1991-92.

India assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council on August 1, 2021. The country took over the rotating presidency of the 15-nation UNSC from France.

The last time India had assumed the presidency was ten years ago. This will also be the country’s first presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

On taking up the position, India stated that it will focus mainly on peacekeeping, maritime security and counterterrorism, during its Presidency at UNSC.

India’s representative to the UN TS Tirumurti informed that India will be organizing events in three key areas- peacekeeping, maritime security, and counterterrorism.

About UN Security Council:

•   The UN Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.

•   The council is charged with ensuring international peace and security, approving any form of changes to the UN Charter, and recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly.

•   The powers of the UNSC include establishing peacekeeping operations, authorizing military action, and enacting international sanctions.

•   Security Council is also the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on the member states.

UNSC Members:

UNSC Permanent Members-

The five permanent members of the UNSC have the power to veto any substantive resolution. The members are;

Non-Permanent Members-

Along with 5 permanent members, UNSC also has temporary members that hold their seats on a rotating basis by geographic region.

These members may also be involved in global security briefings. Initially, there were only 6 non-permanent members, but in 1965, the number was expanded to 10. The non-permanent members are elected by UN General Assembly for two-year tenure starting on January 1, with 5 replaced each year.

The current 10 members are;