India will host first ever Global Maritime Summit in April: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India will host the first ever Global Maritime Summit in April this year and called for maritime cooperation stating that the seas must be used to build peace, friendship, trust and curb conflict.

"We must use seas to build peace, friendship and trust and curb conflict. The Navies and maritime agencies of the world need to work together and engineer virtuous cycles of cooperation," he said at the International Fleet Review here.

The Prime Minister said that international maritime stability cannot be preserved by a single nation with the complexity of modern day challenges.

"Threat of sea borne terror, of which India has been a direct victim, continues to endanger the regional and global peace and stability," he added.

The Prime Minister said India is and has always been a maritime nation.

"Ancient Sanskrit texts also refer to oceans as storehouse of 14 gems. Since the days of the Indus Valley Civilization, India has maintained an extensive network of maritime links. Photo Essay book on the 'Maritime Heritage of India' that I have just released, showcases this glorious maritime tradition," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said the Indian Ocean Region is one of his foremost policy priorities.

"Our approach is evident in our vision of "Sagar", which means "Ocean" and stands for - Security And Growth for All in the Region," he added.

The Prime Minister said India's quest for economic prosperity through oceans is a part of our larger efforts to transform India.

"Of all Indian Naval ships participating in Fleet Review, at least 37 are "Made in India" a number that will surely rise in coming years. I see youth in the coastal areas as our true assets. They have a natural and deep understanding of the Oceans," he added.

Expressing his delight to be in Vishakhapatnam, Prime Minister Modi said he is privileged to visit the city which has a special place in the hearts of all Indians.

"My profuse thanks to men and women of the Indian Navy for their tireless dedication for making this Fleet Review a truly historic success," he added.

He also expressed his gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his strong support for this international event.

The 30-minute long operational demonstration showcased multi-dimensional operational tasks undertaken by the various arms of the Indian Navy.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was also present on the occasion along with Army Chief General Dalbir Singh and his Naval counterpart Admiral R.K. Dhowan.