India Hosts Curtain Raiser for ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ in New Delhi
The Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), hosted a Curtain Raiser Event for ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ in New Delhi. The event, held on Tuesday, served as a precursor to the main dialogue scheduled for November 18-19.
The upcoming dialogue will provide a 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 its growing prominence in international relations, India is poised to take a more significant role in maritime governance.
Key Speakers and Their Views
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the vital connection between India’s security and prosperity with its maritime interests. He remarked, “The Sagarmanthan Dialogue will be an essential forum for generating new ideas about the maritime domain. It aims to foster partnerships, enhance India’s global interactions, and steer future-oriented ocean governance.”
Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, echoed this view, emphasizing the dialogue’s alignment with India’s commitment to inclusive development, reflected in its motto “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.”
Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, opened the event by underscoring India’s expanding maritime ambitions and the increasing need for a comprehensive ocean dialogue. He stated, “As India’s efforts in the maritime domain gain momentum, we seek to create a leading global platform for dialogue on India’s maritime role and its international engagements.”
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for India, emphasized the significance of the dialogue for India’s future. “If India aims to become a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 and increase its GDP eightfold, the Sagarmanthan Dialogue is crucial. The only way forward is through Oceans Dialogue, which will help transform lives and promote sustainable development,” Kant said.
Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University, noted that India has highlighted the development of a blue economy as one of its prime initiatives. “The Blue Economy 2.0 programme was announced in the interim budget this year, and covers the sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health,” she said.
Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, offered a critical perspective. “For decades after independence, India had a landlocked view of the world. However, this is changing. India must now be recognized as a maritime nation. Maritime space is crucial for our economic survival. We need to rethink our approach to ships and shipping infrastructure, transforming how we invest in, build, and utilize our maritime resources and capabilities,” he said.
The Sagarmanthan Dialogue is anticipated to attract a diverse array of stakeholders, including leaders, policymakers, strategic thinkers, scholars, intergovernmental organizations, maritime policy research institutions, media, civil society, and industry representatives. The inaugural event aims to create a platform for generating innovative ideas and laying the groundwork for a new, inclusive accord on ocean governance.
Doubts Revealed
Curtain Raiser -: A ‘Curtain Raiser’ is an event that gives a preview or introduction to a bigger event that will happen later. It’s like a small show before the main show.
Sagarmanthan -: ‘Sagarmanthan’ is a special name for a big meeting or dialogue about the oceans. ‘Sagar’ means ocean in Hindi, and ‘Manthan’ means churning or deep discussion.
Observer Research Foundation -: The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a group that studies and gives advice on important issues like politics, economy, and security. They help make plans for the future.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways -: This is a part of the Indian government that takes care of ports, shipping, and water transport. They make sure ships and boats can travel safely and efficiently.
Blue Economy -: The ‘Blue Economy’ is about using the ocean’s resources in a way that helps the economy grow while keeping the ocean healthy. It includes fishing, tourism, and renewable energy from the sea.
Maritime Logistics -: Maritime Logistics is the planning and managing of how goods are transported by sea. It involves ships, ports, and the routes they take.
Ocean Governance -: Ocean Governance is about making rules and policies to protect the ocean and use its resources wisely. It ensures that everyone follows the same guidelines to keep the ocean safe.
Sarbananda Sonowal -: Sarbananda Sonowal is an Indian politician who is the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. He helps make decisions about India’s ports and shipping.
Shantanu Thakur -: Shantanu Thakur is another Indian politician who works with Sarbananda Sonowal. He also helps with decisions about ports and shipping in India.
