The 2021 Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) was a significant event with an emphasis on the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Territory. This conclave marked the third edition of the series, bringing together high-ranking naval officials and security experts to discuss and collaborate on maritime security and related challenges.
Attendees and Venue
The GMC hosted an impressive roster of Navy Secretaries from twelve nations, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Seychelles, Singapore, Maldives, Myanmar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Indonesia, Comoros, Madagascar, and Bangladesh. The venue for this important gathering was the Naval War College in Goa, chosen for its pivotal role in strategizing and imparting naval warfare knowledge. The conclave leveraged this multinational platform to harness the collective expertise of various international stakeholders committed to ensuring maritime security.
During their time at the conclave, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the local shipbuilding industry, which is a critical component of maritime infrastructure and defense. Furthermore, they were given a tour of an advanced Indian deep-sea rescue vessel specifically designed for submarine operations, showcasing India’s capabilities in underwater rescue missions.
Strategic Focus on Indian Ocean Territory
With the Indian Ocean Territory being a focal point of the 21st-century strategic landscape, the GMC centered discussions on the significance of this region. The conclave recognized the Indian Ocean as a vital conduit for international trade and a region of increasing geopolitical interest. Admiral Karambir Singh, the Chief of the Indian Navy at the time, played the role of host for the conclave, underlining the importance of India’s proactive engagement in the region.
Conclave Theme
The theme for the 2021 GMC was “Maritime Security and Emerging Non-Traditional Threats: A case for proactive role for Indian Ocean Region.” This theme was carefully selected to reflect the evolving security dynamics of the maritime domain, where non-traditional threats such as piracy, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to regional stability and security.
Benefits and Sessions of the Conclave
Participants of the conclave benefitted immensely from interactions with a diverse group of experts and renowned speakers who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. The conclave’s agenda was spread across three sessions, each targeting a specific area of concern.
The first session concentrated on enhancing collective maritime capabilities to counter non-traditional threats effectively. It underscored the need for collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing, surveillance, and coordinated responses to incidents that threaten maritime security.
In the second session, the focus shifted to strengthening regional cooperation in enforcing maritime law. This session highlighted the importance of adhering to international legal frameworks and conventions to maintain order at sea and prevent unlawful activities.
The final session dealt with strategies to mitigate emerging non-traditional threats. It emphasized the significance of adopting a proactive stance in identifying potential risks and formulating preventive measures to safeguard the maritime interests of the Indian Ocean Region.
The 2021 Goa Maritime Conclave served as a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation among the Indian Ocean littoral states. It aimed to foster a shared understanding of maritime security challenges and to explore avenues for collective action to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Territory.
