RRM inaugurates seminar on underwater domain awareness in Pune

NP NEWS NETWORK

Pune

Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre, minister of state for defense, inaugurated one-day seminar on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Framework for Effective Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) organized by Maritime Research Centre, Pune in collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Saturday.

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Lt. Gen Vinod Khandare (Retd), former Director General Defence Intelligence, Commodore Rajan Vir (Retd), president Indian Maritime foundation, Commander Dr. Arnab Das Director MRC, Prof Nitin Karmalkar Vice Chancellor SPPU and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

“The Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) indeed is aligned with the SAGAR vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I would be keen to see it mature in the near future. The participation of multiple stakeholders in this event and hope for the UDA initiative is certainly encouraging and I am sure this momentum will take it to the next level. The SAGAR vision and the maritime capability and capacity building is certainly a priority of the Government. I wish the seminar all the very best and I can see the best set of Experts and Practitioners coming together to deliberate on this subject of national interest”, the minister told the gathering.

“We all know that 70 % of our earth is water, but it is a little-known fact that 80% of the world’s population lives within 200 km of the sea or access to the sea, and mind you this distance is getting shorter as we talk despite global warming and the rise of Ocean waters. 90% of world trade happens via the seas and oceans. Water remains the cheapest mode of surface transport over road and rail, and shall always remain so. The Indian Ocean is critical to the future of the world. Its waters touch the shores of over 40 countries and nearly 40% of the world population. Two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments and one-third of the bulk cargo cross the Indian Ocean. Our future cannot be a zero-sum game. India is committed to using her capabilities and central location in the region to ensure a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region that takes us all to the shore of prosperity”, Bhamre said.

He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modiji has been talking about the SAGARMALA Project and port led growth and Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping & Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is working hard and relentlessly on implementing the National Waterways projects with the Waterways on the Ganga and Brahmaputra taking the lead. 2000 River ports will he ultimately developed on our 101 National Waterways, the minister added.

“The Blue Ocean Waters is also a domain which requires a similar approach, whilst keeping in mind the perspective or the Maritime Consciousness and the Theory of Commons. We need to bring these fundamental facts to bear on the increasing significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and especially with India’s important role in shaping its future in light of the Indo-Pacific”

The SAGAR declaration in May 2015, by Prime Minister Modi, is the highest ever declaration to define India’s regional outlook for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As we look deeper, it has the following aspects behind the broad vision: (a) It acknowledges the security concerns that we face in the region. (b) It recognizes the tremendous economic potential that exists for the nations in the region to harness. (c) It emphasizes the need for regional consolidation and bringing together nations in the region. (d) It attempts to revive the rich maritime heritage we shared and rekindle the sense of pride in our rich culture and traditions.

“The Government on its part has initiated multiple projects to build the maritime infrastructure to fast-track the growth. The physical infrastructure to support an efficient logistics network is being put in place. The aggressive infrastructure build-up has to be supported by the management network to ensure the steady flow of business for optimum utilization and long-term sustainability. An efficient logistics network will also require policy framework both at the domestic as well as the regional and global scale. So the SAGAR vision is well timed and well supported”, he explained the government’s stand.

“The stakeholders in the maritime sector have to come together and optimize their efforts. Pooling of Resources and Synergy of Efforts is inescapable. The siloed, fragmented functioning of the various stakeholders also impedes its ability to seamlessly exchange information across their various units and establishments. The Government today is extremely responsive and significant policy initiatives have been demonstrated for inclusive growth. There is certainly the lot more to be done and the Government is open to evaluating ideas and support wherever required. Innovative ideas have been encouraged and we are committed to continuously engage in newer dimensions for a comprehensive growth”, Bhamre informed.

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