The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi PVSM, AVSM, NM assures the nation through the platform of Rashtriya Raksha University that the Indian Navy stands committed to protect and promote India’s national maritime interests – anytime, anywhere, anyhow!

The Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan AVSM, VSM Chief Guest for the event calls for continued regional cooperation and coordinated efforts to overcome maritime security challenges through the platform of Rashtriya Raksha University. He highlighted the presence and response of the Indian Navy in the Indian ocean region (IOR) through detailed statistical information as to the number of operations and missions carried out. The significance of ensuring safety of navigation for the merchant vessels, through joint cooperation operations and extensive network of radar stations across the coastline of India. Furthermore, the legislative framework adopted by the Indian government for apprehending and preventing maritime crimes in the region.

He further quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address during India's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) stating that, “The oceans are our shared responsibility, and for safe, secure, and stable regions, there must be respect for international law and peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." Lastly, he applauded the incredible efforts of the Vice Chancellor, RRU to organize such a crucial training programme on the topics of relevance for extensive deliberations, exchanging diversifying views and wished the 30 maritime professionals from 14 countries to learn, exchange and enjoy the rich cultural diversity of India.

Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor, RRU Chief Patron, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs for their supplementing efforts towards Rashtriya Raksha University’s capacity building initiatives by building bridges across the globe. Referring to the detailed insights provided by the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Prof. Patel highlighted that even though the maritime crimes and their intensities vary across the region, yet the fundamentals stay the same. The platform like that of Rashtriya Raksha University today acts as a live wire being a nodal point for capacity building, information exchange and knowledge sharing. He further highlighted the emerging threats piracy, smuggling of arms, human and arms; climate change and sea level rise; and the latest advisory opinion on climate change delivered by the ITLOS reminding the coastal states of their responsibility towards nature and the climate.
In addition, he reflected upon the major achievements of the School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies in the domain of coastal and maritime security law and governance at national, regional and international level.

Mr. Sushil Goswami, University Dean & Director SICMSS delivered the keynote address (In absentia) of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi PVSM, AVSM, NM, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address during India's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) “Oceans are our shared heritage, and our maritime routes are the lifelines of international trade. However, this shared heritage of ours [the oceans] is facing several types of challenges. Maritime routes are being misused for piracy and terrorism.” He further highlighted that the “oceans are very important for the future of our planet, and we [Indians] want to make an inclusive framework on maritime security in our region based on the vision of SAGAR [which many of you know as Safety and Growth for All in the Region]. He further extensively discussed the existing and evolving challenges in the domain of maritime and coastal security and ensured the commitment of the Indian Navy to Maritime and Coastal Security – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow!

Mr. Goswami further expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) for their unwavering guidance and support to Rashtriya Raksha University throughout. Also, he extended a warm welcome to all the participants coming from different regions of the world to learn, develop and grow through extensive sessions on the topics related to integrated coastal and maritime security.

About Rashtriya Raksha University: Rashtriya Raksha University, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, is a premier institution dedicated to national security and law enforcement studies. Established in 2020, RRU aims to provide high-quality education and training in various fields related to security, including cybersecurity, disaster management, and internal security. The university is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

AP/GP/JD

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