'Our vision for Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation': PM Modi (Update)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India's vision for the Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation in our region; and, to use our capabilities for the benefit of all in our common maritime home.

"Our vision for Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation in our region; and, to use our capabilities for the benefit of all in our common maritime home," Prime Minister Modi said at the commissioning of Coast Ship Barracuda.

He said it meant that India would do everything to safeguard our mainland and islands and defend our interests,

"One, we will do everything to safeguard our mainland and islands and defend our interests. Equally we will work to ensure a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region that delivers us all to the shores of prosperity. And, our capabilities will be there for those struck by the ocean's fury. Or, caught in distress on the seas," said the Prime Minister.

"Second, we will deepen our economic and security cooperation with our friends in the region especially our maritime neighbours and island states. We will also continue to build their maritime security capacities and their economic strength," he added.

"Three, collective action and cooperation will best advance peace and security in our maritime region. It will also prepare us better to respond to emergencies," he further added.

Prime Minister Modi said that is why, in 2008, India promoted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium which brings together 35 navies of the region.

"Our goal is to deepen our mutual understanding on maritime challenges; and, strengthen our collective ability to address them. We also support efforts to strengthen our regional mechanisms for maritime cooperation - from dealing with piracy terrorism and other crimes; to marine safety and natural disasters," he added.

The Prime Minister said India has also started maritime security cooperation with Maldives and Sri Lanka and hoped that Mauritius, Seychelles and other nations in the region will also join this initiative.

"We also seek a more integrated and cooperative future in the region that enhances the prospects for sustainable development for all," he added.