In an effort to fine-tune all aspects of coastal security, the Indian Coast Guard is conducting a two-day maiden Coastal Security Conference (CoSC) under the aegis of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) starting Thursday in Chennai. Coast Guards from Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius are participating in the meet besides Bangladesh as an observer.
In his inaugural address, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane stressed on the five basic principles to address issues of maritime security as enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They include removing barriers from legitimate maritime trade, settle maritime disputes by peaceful means through International Law, mitigating natural disasters and maritime threats, preservation and protection of maritime environment and encouraging responsible maritime connectivity through creation of sustainable infrastructure.
The Defence Secretary also highlighted the need to address common issues pertaining to the maritime safety and security, countering terrorism, transnational organized crime, cyber security, protection of critical coastal infrastructure and disaster relief, coast guard officials said here.
The theme of the Coastal Security Conference is “Collaborative Efforts for Coastal Security.” Heads of Marine Police of each state and Union territories(UT) and representatives from other national and state stakeholder ministries also participated.