New Delhi, Aug. 10 : In an oblique reference to China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for maritime disputes to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. Speaking at one of the best-attended UN Security Council debates (UNSC) where other members, barring China, fielded Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior Cabinet ministers, PM Modi outlined a five-principle framework for the first-ever debate on maritime security.

The session began with a moment of silence for those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Presiding over the debate on “Enhancing maritime security: A case for international cooperation”, which was attended by Russian President Valdimir Putin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, PM Modi said first on the agenda should be removing barriers to maritime trade by fully respecting the rights of seafarers of other countries.

Second, it was extremely important for ensuring global peace and stability for maritime disputes to be resolved peacefully. Third, countries must jointly tackle maritime threats from non-state actors and natural disasters with India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Fourth, the PM Modi said the maritime environment and marine resources must be conserved, and fifth — a structure was required to boost maritime trade with the development of global norms and standards.

While PM Modi steered clear of mentioning any maritime stretch, Blinken pointed out that maritime security was in serious danger, especially in the South China Sea. A Presidential Statement on Maritime Security was adopted by the UNSC. “This is an important recognition of the importance of maritime security by the UNSC. A call for international cooperation,” said India’s UN Permanent Representative, TS Tirumurti.

Putin lauded India for initiating the meet during its presidency of the UNSC for the month of August and concurred with PM Modi on the requirement for a special structure to deal with maritime crime. He also said Russia stood for strict observance of key norms and principles of international law fixed in the UN Charter. Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chinh spoke on the need to address maritime security.-Agencies