00:00Thank you, Mr. President.
00:01At the outset, I take this opportunity to congratulate Bahrain on assuming the UNSC Presidency this month
00:08and thank them for convening today's open debate.
00:11We also thank the Secretary General and briefers for their remarks.
00:15A discussion on this crucial topic is indeed timely and appropriate.
00:20It is contextual to highlight that the first ever open debate on the theme
00:25Enhancing Maritime Security, a case for international cooperation under the item
00:31Maintenance of International Peace and Security was convened by India during its UNSC Presidency
00:36in August 2021 that paved the way to address maritime security in a holistic manner.
00:43Mr. President, India is committed to promoting a free, open and rules-based maritime order
00:48in accordance with the principles of UNCLOS.
00:52In this regard, India supports adherence to international law,
00:56especially the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea,
00:59as the foundation for maintaining freedom of navigation while emphasizing unimpeded lawful commerce.
01:06Since the major share of global energy supplies and international trade is carried out
01:11through international waterways, any threat to critical waterways in the maritime domain
01:16has serious implications for international peace and security and global trade.
01:22As a major trading nation, India strongly deplores the recent targeting of commercial shipping
01:28through the Strait of Hormuz and the endangerment of innocent civilian crew members.
01:34Such actions have resulted in the tragic loss of precious lives of Indian seafarers
01:39and are unacceptable.
01:40India reiterates that freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz
01:47must be fully respected in accordance with international law
01:50and urges that safe and unimpeded maritime passage be restored at the earliest.
01:57Mr. President, the main concerns to be immediately addressed are safety of navigation,
02:02continuance of supply chains with specific emphasis on humanitarian supply chains,
02:07enhancement of maritime situational awareness,
02:10and facilitating communication for the seafarers, whether directly or indirectly.
02:16As a responsible maritime power, India has the honor of submitting certain recommendations
02:21to alleviate the situation and contribute to the safety of waterways and seafarers.
02:27First, India's Directorate General of Shipping has set up a 24-7 helpline for seafarers,
02:34irrespective of nationality.
02:36As on date, we have received close to 7,500 calls and more than 15,000 emails.
02:43Second, as brought out in the updated IMO best management practices,
02:48we suggest consideration of the Member States to increase reporting to the Information Fusion Centre,
02:55Indian Ocean Region, what is called as the IFC-IOR, located in India,
03:00which could assist in enabling safe navigation, indirect communication of seafarers' situation,
03:06and explore avenues for maintaining humanitarian supply chains.
03:10It may be relevant to note that there are several international liaison officers in the IFC-IOR,
03:17and among them, they represent 36 countries,
03:20including the first multilateral IMO, Djibouti Code of Conduct, ILO, representing 22 states.
03:27Therefore, coordination with this centre would accrue significant benefits.
03:32Third, we further note with concern the grave risk of maritime pollution
03:36arising from attacks on commercial vessels in these waters.
03:39In this context, the role of IFC-IOR assumes greater importance
03:44and should be further promoted by its inclusion in the IMO-MSC Resolution 324-89
03:51for effective maritime domain awareness, environmental monitoring,
03:55and coordination with other significant information-sharing centres.
03:59Mr. President, as a leading seafaring nation committed to global maritime safety and security,
04:06India would be honoured to receive the consideration of the Member States on our recommendations
04:10that may contribute to UN and IMO's specific mandates in these trying circumstances and beyond.
04:17In conclusion, India sees maritime security and the protection of waterways
04:22as essential to global security and economic prosperity.
04:26Being among the top three seafarer supplying nations,
04:30contributing approximately 13% of the global seafaring workforce,
04:35India remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its seafarers.
04:40Any disruption, obstruction, or purported closure of vital waterways
04:45has direct consequences for global economy, energy, and humanitarian supply chains.
04:51The safety and welfare of seafarers, the security of international shipping,
04:56energy supply chains that sustain nations,
04:58and humanitarian supply chains that ensure survival and welfare of seafarers
05:03must remain paramount.
05:05India aims to maintain secure waterways for the long-term global peace and inclusive growth.
05:12Thank you, Mr. President.
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