PM Modi calls for greater collaboration in trade, tourism and investment(Update)

Prime Minister on Thursday called for a greater collaboration in trade, tourism and investment in the Indian Ocean Region as well as protection of marine environment; and, overall development of Ocean or Blue Economy.

"We must promote greater collaboration in trade, tourism and investment; infrastructure development; marine science and technology; sustainable fisheries; protection of marine environment; and, overall development of Ocean or Blue Economy," Prime Minister Modi said at the commissioning of Coast Ship Barracuda.

He said the blue chakra or wheel in India's national flag represents the potential of Blue Revolution or the Ocean Economy.

"That is how central the ocean economy is to us," he added.

The Prime Minister also described climate change as a serious threat to existence and called for a more concerted and fair global action to address the challenge.

"For those who live by the ocean, climate change is not an issue of debate but a serious threat to existence. We must assume leadership in our region and call for a more concerted and fair global action to address the challenge of climate change," he said.

Prime Minister Modi added that the Indian Ocean Rim Association can be an important instrument for pursuing the vision for a sustainable and prosperous future in the region.

"We often define regional groupings around landmass. The time has come for a strong grouping around the Indian Ocean. We will pursue this with new vigour in the years ahead," he said.

"There can be no better place to host the Secretariat for IORA than Mauritius. I am pleased that the Secretary General is from India," he added.

Prime Minister Modi pointed out that those who live in this region have the primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.

"But, we recognize that there are other nations around the world, with strong interests and stakes in the region. India is deeply engaged with them. We do this through dialogue, visits, exercises, capacity building and economic partnership," he added.

"Our goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other's interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation," he further added.

The Prime Minister said that India seeks a future for Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of 'SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region'.

Prime Minister Modi added that India's partnership with Mauritius is among our strongest maritime relationships in this world.

"Our partnership will grow. We will together build our capabilities. We will also train and patrol the seas together. But, the foundation of this partnership is larger. It is our shared values and a common vision. It is our willingness to look beyond our own domain to assume our responsibility for the region," he said.

The Prime Minister called Mauritius a key leader for a secure and sustainable future for the Indian Ocean and India was proud to be its partner.