Secure sea lanes and freedom of navigation are pivotal for collective security & prosperity of Indian Ocean Region, says Raksha Mantri at Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed a gathering at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence in Colombo, emphasizing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal for the collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Highlighting bilateral maritime cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of MAHASAGAR, he called for strengthened joint protocols, real-time Maritime Domain Awareness, counter-narcotics efforts, anti-piracy measures, and the Colombo Security Conclave. He also underscored the need to jointly address fishermen issues, expand cooperation into aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean science, and establish a joint Maritime Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) system.