Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) 2023: Advancing Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region
The fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) took place from October 29th to 31st, 2023, hosted by the Indian Navy under the Naval War College, Goa. The theme, “Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks”, underlined the urgency to harmonize and combine capacities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Ministers, Chiefs of Navies, and Heads of Maritime Forces from 12 IOR countries including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand attended the event.
The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, stressed the essential responsibility of IOR nations to collaborate in combating threats and challenges arising from the sea. Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, highlighted India’s rich maritime history and emphasized cooperation and capacity building to enhance the resilience and prosperity of the region.
Adm R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, noted the evolution of GMC from a small construct to a functional one dealing with transnational challenges in the IOR. He emphasized the need for cooperative resolution of oceanic challenges.
VAdm MA Hampiholi, the FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command, expressed gratitude for the participation, emphasizing the Indian Navy’s commitment to a secure and inclusive IOR.
Adm Arun Prakash (retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighted the value of collaboration among IOR countries in ensuring open and secure global commons. He also mentioned various Indian initiatives to enable constructive engagement with partner nations.
Leveraging Activities Pursued Through Existing Multilateral Organisations in the IOR towards Generating Collective Maritime Competencies
Bilateral interactions between naval leadership from participating countries and India were held on the sidelines of the conclave. The Chiefs of the Navy/Heads of Delegation shared perspectives on opportunities and threats in the IOR, underlining the need for cooperation and collaboration.
An exhibition showcasing India’s Indigenous shipbuilding industry was organized, along with visits to indigenous warships and a demonstration of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) as part of India’s AatmaNirbharta initiative.