Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations on the successful organisation of Sagarmanthan – The Ocean’s Dialogue, a landmark maritime event held in the national capital. In a message from his Camp Office in Nigeria, PM Modi emphasized the critical role of oceans in shaping global security, prosperity, and cooperation, calling the dialogue a significant step towards building consensus and partnerships for humanity’s shared future.
PM Modi’s Vision for Maritime Excellence
In his message, PM Modi underlined the importance of a free, open, and secure maritime network, asserting that the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) is emerging as a cornerstone for global growth. “Our vision for a free, open, and secure maritime network—be it the Indian Ocean or the Indo-Pacific region—is finding resonance across the world,” he stated.
He highlighted how Sagarmanthan complements India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, remarking, “Dialogues such as Sagarmanthan are invaluable to build consensus, partnerships, and most importantly, a prosperous future. With the collective efforts of all stakeholders, these discussions will resonate far and wide, paving the way toward a brighter, more connected future.”
India’s Rich Maritime Legacy
PM Modi reflected on India’s ancient maritime traditions, citing the thriving port cities of Lothal and Dholavira, the Chola dynasty’s naval prowess, and the maritime exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as sources of inspiration. He reiterated that oceans are not only a shared heritage but also a lifeline for international trade, with the security and prosperity of nations intrinsically linked to maritime resources.
Maritime Sector Transformation Under PM Modi
The Prime Minister also highlighted the transformative steps India has taken to enhance its maritime capabilities under the vision of ‘Ports of Prosperity,’ ‘Ports for Progress,’ and ‘Ports for Productivity.’ Over the past decade, India has doubled its port capacity, improved efficiency, reduced turnaround times, and strengthened last-mile connectivity through expressways, railways, and riverine networks, redefining the country’s maritime landscape.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Thanks PM Modi
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s inspiring words and leadership. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India has been witnessing a transformational experience in the maritime sector,” Sonowal remarked. He credited PM Modi’s vision for encapsulating the essence of Sagarmanthan as a thought-leadership platform that fosters collaboration and innovation.
The maiden edition of Sagarmanthan – The Ocean’s Dialogue is being celebrated as a significant step in advancing India’s maritime strategy while contributing to global peace and prosperity. Stakeholders hailed the initiative as a platform to deepen trust, build partnerships, and ensure a rules-based maritime order for the benefit of all nations.
As India continues to assert its leadership in maritime diplomacy, Sagarmanthan sets the stage for harnessing the oceans’ potential in fostering sustainable growth and international cooperation.