PIB

Prime Minister inaugurates Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 2008

14 February 2008

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said the " Recent years have seen a rise in the crimes such as terrorism, smuggling, including of narcotics, arms and weapons, piracy and robbery. These activities not only pose a threat to our growing naval commerce but also affect innocent fishermen and tourists. In addition there is the abominable practice of trafficking in human beings". The prime minister was speaking at the Inaugural of the IONS 2008.

He said, “India remains committed to an Indian Ocean region that is stable and peaceful. We would like to cooperate with all like minded countries so as to ensure the freedom of the seas for all nations and to deepen trade and economic linkages between the Indian Ocean rim countries"

Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minster said, "The maritime domain is demanding and deserving of continuous study, discussion and debate. The fact that the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region too, realize this and understand its implications is clearly evident from your presence here at the launch of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium".

Shri AK Antony added that " We are all here to….'dream the Indian Ocean Dream'… We have come together to share and explore the contours of a grand vision of a coalesced, prosperous and progressive Indian Ocean. This is a vision that is neither diminished nor daunted by our diversity."

The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta, said "IONS should be seen as a construct in our region that focuses on issues related to, or, which can be influenced through the maritime environment. In doing so, it would perhaps help in creating conditions for regional cooperative efforts to spill over to other fields as well."

The Admiral said "The threat from malevolent non-state actors presents a clear and present danger to not just one or some but to all of us. The response from us must, therefore, be from not just one or some, but from all of us."

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