India's maritime security initiative adopted at UN Security Council

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked India for its maritime security initiative at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this week. He reaffirmed that the Russian Federation is committed to the joint tasks of combating all forms of crime at sea.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired 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 UNSC.

At the session, Modi highlighted the threats to maritime safety and security and called upon the members to consider implementing the 2000 UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. It resulted in the UNSC adopting the first-ever presidential statement on maritime security soon after the virtual open debate focused on global cooperation for maritime security.

“Ten non Council members sent their written position underlining that the debate was timely and relevant. PM articulated five key maritime principles — on trade, disputes, natural disasters, environment and connectivity,” Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar tweeted.