India pushes equitable maritime order at Milan Exercise
India pushes equitable maritime order at Milan Exercise
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh renews push for a fair, rules-based naval order as Milan gathers 74 navies to confront piracy, illegal fishing, and new sea-challenges.
In Vizag, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined India's goal of an equitable maritime order grounded in international rules and freedom of navigation during the inaugural ceremony of the multilateral Exercise Milan. He said UNCLOS provides a solid legal framework, and a robust global naval architecture can reinforce it to address issues in international waters. Singh noted the growing importance of navies in peacemaking amid rapid economic growth, rising competition for straits and channels, and the emerging importance of underwater resources.
As Milan brings together 74 countries, he highlighted the need to guard seas against threats ranging from piracy and maritime terrorism to illegal fishing, trafficking, cyber vulnerabilities, and disruptions to critical supply chains. He warned that the international order is facing upheaval even as platforms like Milan help nations share expertise, build mutual trust, and improve interoperability for coordinated responses.
The defence minister emphasized that when navies train, sail, and deliberate together, they build a shared understanding essential to a rules-based order. While China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean is noted, the overarching message from India is a call for mutual trust and collective action to tackle complex maritime challenges and ensure freedom of navigation for all.
