Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday chair an open debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on maritime security. According to ministry of external affairs (MEA), the meeting, through video conferencing, is scheduled to take place at 5.30pm IST. This is expected to be attended by several Heads of State and Government of member states of the UNSC, and high-level briefers from the UN System and key regional organizations.
PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UNSC open debate, the MEA further said. The UN Security Council has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime. However, this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate. As a non-permanent member, India has the rotational presidency of the top world body for the month of August. “Given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council. This vision focuses on cooperative measures for sustainable use of the oceans and provides a framework for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain in the region”, it said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix- Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are among the world leaders who are expected to attend the debate. Other leaders who are expected to participate in today’s event are President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh.
