Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level open debate on 'Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation' today. The meeting will be attended by several heads of state and government officials of member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The debate, to be held via video conferencing at 5:30 pm, will focus on ways to effectively counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthening coordination in the maritime domain.

The UNSC has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime, but this will be the first time that the issue will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high level open debate, the Prime Minister's Office said.

"Given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council. A comprehensive approach to maritime security should protect and support legitimate maritime activities, while countering traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime domain," it added.

PM Modi,  had in 2015,  put forward the vision of SAGAR  an acronym for ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region’, which focused on cooperative measures for sustainable use of the oceans, and provides a framework for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain in the region.

In 2019, at the East Asia Summit, this initiative was further elaborated through the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) with a focus on seven pillars of maritime security, including Maritime Ecology; Maritime Resources; Capacity Building and Resource Sharing; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation; and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport, PMO said.

PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate, the PMO statement said.