Page 3 - Maritime

India takes over as co-chair of IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security

India has taken over as co-chair of the IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security and HADR for the forthcoming cycle, officials said on Friday. The eighth Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs was conducted by the Royal Thai Navy in Bangkok from December 19-22, the defence ministry said in a statement. The chiefs of navies and senior delegates from 27 member and observer countries took part in the event, it said. Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar attended the event with a three-member naval delegation. During the conclave, Thailand assumed the duties of "chair of IONS and the work plan for the next two years was finalised", the statement added. "As a first, a flag designed by India was selected as the IONS flag. India also took over as the co-chair of IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security and HADR for the forthcoming cycle. Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed by the conclave as the latest 'observer', raising the collective strength of IONS to 34 (25 members

India will shop for a flexible agenda for shipping at COP 28

The possible landing of the container ship shall signal the importance India attaches to the targets for the greening of the shipping sector and larger maritime sector

India needs to overcome challenges to become a maritime power: Prez Murmu

India needs to overcome several challenges, including addressing infrastructural and operational challenges of the country's ports, before it can fully exploit the maritime potential, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday. Though the conservative apprehensions about crossing the sea cost us dearly, India had to come out of the yoke of 200 years of colonial rule. It became more focused on continental development, forgetting that continental development and maritime development are mutually complementary, she said. "We, of course, also lacked the economic and industrial resources to fully establish a strong maritime presence," the President said while speaking at the 8th convocation of the Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai. Before the country could fully exploit the potential of this sector, India should overcome several challenges. "For example, a lot of container ship cargo is diverted to nearby foreign ports due to depth restrictions. In the merchant and civilian ship ...

Rs 80 trillion by 2047: PM Modi's blueprint for improving maritime infra

Amrit Kaal vision for blue economy needed for new world order, says Prime Minister

Exercise Bright Star-23 moves on to its culmination phase, says IAF

The Indian Air Force on Monday highlighted that the Exercise Bright Star-23 has moved to its last phase

India, ASEAN looking at boosting maritime security ties at summit talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review progress of India's relations with 10-nation ASEAN at a summit meeting in Jakarta on Thursday. Shoring up India's trade and security ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is likely to be the focus of Modi's engagement with leaders of the bloc. The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first summit since the elevation of ties between the two sides to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year. The two sides are expected to unveil a new initiative to expand maritime security cooperation, people familiar with the matter said. The prime minister will also attend the East Asia Summit that will take place shortly after the end of the ASEAN-India summit. Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday evening and will return late on Thursday, Secretary of State (East) Saurabh Kumar said. It will be a brief visit by the prime minister to Jakarta as he has to return home for the G20 summit, Kumar said, adding no ..

India is emerging as driving force in S Asia's maritime history: Sonowal

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that India is emerging as the "driving force" crafting the next chapter in South Asia's maritime history. The minister was addressing the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023 roadshow in Goa through video link. "India is emerging as the driving force crafting the next chapter in South Asia's maritime history....This roadshow represents the strength of our cultural ties and joint determination to make a substantial regional influence, he said. Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shripad Naik was also present on the occasion. In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, GMIS 2023 fosters growth and business while staunchly supporting the government's vision, he added. Union minister Naik said that due to collaborative efforts, the Indian maritime landscape has undergone a transformative evolution. GMIS 2023 celebrates the convergence of technology, heightened infrastructure, ..

Govt aims to raise capacity of ports four-fold to 10K MTPA by 2047: Sonowal

The government has set itself a target of raising the country's port capacity to more than 10,000 Metric Ton Per Annum by 2047 from the current 2,600 MTPA, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said here on Saturday. The government will soon set up a Bureau of Port Security to upgrade security across all ports in the country, he said at the 19th Maritime States Development Council meeting at Kevadia in Gujarat's Narmada district near the Statue of Unity. "The country's total port capacity will increase from existing around 2,600 MTPA to more than 10,000 MTPA in 2047," a government release quoted him as saying. Sonowal said the country's maritime sector is poised for substantial growth with over Rs 10 lakh crore worth of investment opportunities identified, with the opportunity to generate employment for over 15 lakh youths. "In alignment with this vision, the role of private players is being progressively augmented, with public-private partnership ...

India stands at cusp of a maritime revolution, says Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has stressed unlocking the vast potential of India's maritime sector, saying the country's strategic location and commitment to sustainable practices present unparalleled opportunities. Hosting foreign heads of missions and officials here on Friday evening, Sonowal underlined that India stands at the cusp of a maritime revolution. The event was organised ahead of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, scheduled to be held in Delhi on October 17-19. Sonowal stressed unlocking investment opportunities in India's maritime sector. "India stands at the cusp of a maritime revolution. Our strategic location, technological advancements and commitment to sustainable practices present unparalleled opportunities. Countries partnering with India in this sector will contribute to global growth and be part of a responsible and progressive maritime future," he said. The minister also shared his vision for environment-friendly ...

India presents candidature to IMO Council for Biennium 2024-25 elections

The High Commision of India in London on Tuesday, organised a reception on a Thames cruise boat to mark the occasion

IMO to impose levy on shipping firms failing to cut down GHG emissions

The International Maritime Organisation will impose a levy on companies that fail to cut down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping industry, Secretary-General Kitack Lim said on Tuesday. During a media interaction on the sidelines of the Maritime Environment Protection Committee's (MEPC) 80th session here, Lim said that the committee had already adopted a decision regarding the financial levy last week. "We will work out the modalities and finalise them this week," Lim said, speaking at the IMO headquarters. He said the MEPC would also discuss and finalise modalities of the disbursement of the fund, adding that this economic measure is crucial to support the industry that might be adversely impacted while adopting a carbon-neutral goal. "We will have to use this fund in R&D to incentivise shipping companies and also to financially support the island nations and developing countries," the secretary-general said. Lim said that the IMO would do an impact assessment in its .

Titan submersible disaster probes face tricky test of criminal liability

The US Coast Guard announced that it will pursue its highest level of investigation after a search and rescue mission turned up debris of the submersible on the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck

India, France, UAE begin maiden joint maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman

The two-day maritime exercise will involve a wide range of naval operations, including surface warfare and helicopter cross-deck landing operations

India in talks to open up Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor: Sonowal

India is in discussion with Russia to inaugurate the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor aimed at boosting maritime ties between the two countries, Union Minister Sarabananda Sonowal said on Sunday. The minister of ports, shipping and waterways, who was here to review the performance of Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port, inaugurated a slew of projects worth Rs 148 crore. India was in talks with Russia to open the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, he said at the event. The discussion between the two countries was aimed at bolstering maritime trade, he said. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India affirms its commitment to rejuvenate its trade and investment potential to propel the growth of India," he said. "This corridor will serve this purpose, acting as a conduit of growth and investment cooperation between two historic cities with rich marine history -- Chennai and Vladivostok -- of the two countries," he said. Sonowal later inaugurated three new proje

India, UK hold annual bilateral maritime exercise 'Konkan' in Arabian Sea

The annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and UK's Royal Navy was held off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea from March 20-22, an official statement said on Thursday. INS Trishul, a guided missile frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 guided missile frigate, participated in 'Konkan 2023' and undertook multiple maritime drills to enhance interoperability and imbibe best practices, the Indian Navy said in the statement. The exercises covered all domains of maritime operations, air, surface and sub-surface, and included gunnery shoots on surface inflatable target Killer Tomato', helicopter operations, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), ship manoeuvres and exchange of personnel, it said. "The exercise yielded excellent training value to the personnel of both navies. A high level of professionalism and enthusiasm was also evident during its conduct," the Indian Navy said. "The focus personnel exhibited on op-readines

India's ancient maritime journey to be recreated by 2025: Sanjeev Sanyal

The ship will be about 20-metre long, will have no GPS and would be similar to the ships made in ancient days when India had close connections with Southeast Asia via maritime trade, he said

Rajya Sabha passes bill to deal with maritime piracy with voice vote

Parliament on Wednesday passed the Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, which provides for stringent punishment to those convicted of such crimes. The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed by voice vote the Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill-2022 which was moved for consideration and passage by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday. In the bill, the government has added provisions for death penalty and life imprisonment for those convicted of maritime piracy. Replying to a debate on the bill, Jaishankar said it will help the country in having international cooperation to deal with piracy. He also told the House, "We will have jurisdiction on foreign ships (which would indulge in piracy)." About the members' suggestions about having standard operating procedures (SOP) for have better enforcement, he stated that the suggestion is well taken as it would help in its enforcement. He appreciated the members' views that authorised persons -- armed forces dealing

Navy Chief R Hari Kumar arrives in Sri Lanka for four-day official visit

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar has been invited as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade at the Naval and Maritime Academy

Sri Lanka, India discuss maritime challenges faced in Indian Ocean

The navies of India and Sri Lanka have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and actions to overcome common maritime challenges faced by the navies and coast guard personnel of the two countries in the Indian Ocean. The 32nd international maritime boundary line (IMBL) meeting between Sri Lankan and Indian navies was held here on board SLNS Sayura off the coast of Kankesanthurai in the north on Friday, the Sri Lanka Navy said in a press release. The talks between the navies of the two countries was held to mainly discuss common maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean region. The objective of the IMBL meeting is to strengthen relationships between the two neighbouring countries and discuss actions to be taken pertaining to the navies and Coast Guard personnel to overcome maritime challenges. At this year's meeting delegates from both sides discussed matters pertinent to the security of maritime borders of both countries and exchanged views on the progress of previous ...

India stands for rules-based maritime borders in Indo-Pacific: Rajnath

India stands for rules-based maritime boundaries in the Indo-Pacific in which no nation, howsoever big, may be allowed to exclude others from its fair use, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday, amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region. In his address to the heads of Asian Coast Guard agencies, the defence minister also called for effective collaboration among maritime nations to deal with challenges to maritime safety. Singh asserted that India, throughout history, has been a peace-loving society which has never invaded any foreign land and has always respected the territorial integrity of other countries, while treating them as equal partners. He stressed that oceanic space should be respected as a global commons to benefit all humanity in an environmentally sustainable way. "We stand for open, free, rules-based maritime borders in Indo-Pacific, in which no nation, howsoever big, may be allowed to appropriate the global common or exclude others from its fair