India Hosts Curtain Raiser Event for 'Sagarmanthan' - The Great Oceans Dialogue

The Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways hosted a Curtain Raiser for 'Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue' in Delhi. The main event, scheduled for November 18-19, will focus on maritime governance, encouraging global partnerships and sustainable development in the maritime sector.

The Observer Research Foundation, working with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), kicked off the Curtain Raiser Event for 'Sagarmanthan -- The Great Oceans Dialogue' in the nation's capital. Held on Tuesday, the event previews the main dialogue scheduled for November 18-19, as per an official release.

This upcoming dialogue aims to serve as a pivotal platform for discussions on the blue economy, maritime logistics, ports, shipping, waterways, critical minerals, diversified supply chains, the global maritime economy, and training and labor standards. With India gaining prominence in international relations, the dialogue will address its rising role in maritime governance, the release stated.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the link between India's security and prosperity with its maritime interests. He stated, "The Sagarmanthan Dialogue will be a crucial forum for generating new ideas about the maritime domain. It aims to foster partnerships, enhance India's global interactions, and guide future-oriented ocean governance."

Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State at MoPSW, echoed Sonowal, highlighting the dialogue's alignment with India's inclusive development aims, reflected in the motto "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas." He reiterated the importance of the event in advancing India's maritime ambitions.

Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, opened the event by noting India's expanding maritime objectives and the need for a comprehensive ocean dialogue. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for India, stressed the dialogue's significance for India's future economic goals. "If India aims to become a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 and increase its GDP eightfold, the Sagarmanthan Dialogue is crucial. Oceans Dialogue is the way forward to transform and promote sustainable development," Kant said.

Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, cited the Blue Economy 2.0 programme, which aims for sustainable ocean resource utilization for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, provided a critical perspective, recounting India's previous landlocked view and the current shift towards maritime recognition. He remarked, "We need to rethink our approach to ships and shipping infrastructure to transform investment, construction, and utilization of maritime resources."

The Sagarmanthan Dialogue is set to attract a diverse range of stakeholders, including leaders, policymakers, academics, intergovernmental organizations, maritime policy research institutions, media, civil society, and industry representatives. The event aims to generate innovative ideas and lay the groundwork for a new, inclusive accord on ocean governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)