Indian PM Narendra Modi chairs UN Security Council

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the High-level Open Debate on 'Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation' on August 9, as part of India’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed holistically as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate. 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 and Government of member states of the UNSC, and high-level representatives from the UN system and key regional organisations. The Open Debate will focus on effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity and strengthen coordination in the maritime domain.

"Given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject holistically in the United Nations Security Council. A comprehensive approach to Maritime Security should protect and support legitimate maritime activities while countering traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime domain," the MEA said in a release.