Text of Vice-President’s address at the inaugural ceremony of the India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC), New Delhi (Excerpts)
Text of Vice-President’s address at the inaugural ceremony of the India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC), New Delhi (Excerpts)
Good afternoon, all of you.
It is my distinct privilege to be part of India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024, where we converge to celebrate our illustrious maritime legacy while charting India’s future trajectory in global maritime affairs. Indeed, unique and impactful presence of historians, archaeologists, policy makers and everyone connected with this particular domain, including people from industry.
This gathering, therefore, is indicative that the initiative, first of its kind in this domain will go a long way. Distinguished audience, let me share with you, for the last decade, we have seen many firstin this country. This is one amongst many first in this country where initiatives have been taken in varied fields, this one in maritime heritage.
Our maritime heritage is inextricably woven into the fabric of India’s ancient civilisation, encompassing centuries of trade, cultural cross-pollination and profound mythological significance. Our civilisational ethos and heritage of thousands of years is well complemented also by maritime heritage. The Indus Valley Civilisation, anchored by the pioneering ports of Lothal and Dholavira established India’s early maritime pre-eminence as evidenced by archaeological discoveries in Bahrain and Oman.
Distinguished audience, Chanakya’s Arth Shastra meticulously outlined naval administration while the Mauryan Empire’s maritime influence extended deep into Southeast Asia, leaving an indelible cultural legacy epitomised by Cambodia’s majestic Angkor Wat complex. I had the occasion to be there at Angkor Wat. One has to see to believe it and therefore, presence of our foreign friends from Southeast Asia and Europe is very significant. And my heartiest welcome to them on this great occasion.
The Southern Dynasties, Chola, Chera, and Pandya, revolutionised maritime commerce followed by remarkable achievements during the Vijayanagara Empire under the Calicut’s visionary Zamorin rulers. Constraint of time, I am not reflecting in detail, but it is very interesting, informative, knowledgeable, and absorbing. This maritime heritage complex, will be enlightening to inquisitive minds.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s formidable naval force successfully challenged foreign dominion while Indian maritime expertise found testament when a Gujarati navigator guided Vasco da Gama to our shores. The Indian Navy’s sacred motto ‘Sham-no Varuna’, eloquently embodies our enduring respect for maritime forces. It translates, May the Lord of the Water be auspicious unto us.
Distinguished audience, this is the spirit and essence of our civilisational ethos. The National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal exemplifies unwavering commitment to honouring our seafaring legacy while inspiring future generations. And let me tell you, distinguished audience, it is gratifying to note that this is one of the several initiatives taken by the government in the last decade in these directions.
Modern India’s maritime prowess manifests across all domains with its impressive 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, and 200 non-major ports, establishing it as an undisputed maritime powerhouse. Our port’s remarkable annual handling capacity of 1,200 million tonnes of cargo underscores the maritime sector’s pivotal role in our economic landscape. The maritime sector facilitates an extraordinary 95% of India’s trade volume, and that accounts for 70% of its value, capitalising on our strategic Indian Ocean position.
India is strategically developing its blue economy, emphasising sustainable ocean resource utilisation for economic growth and employment generation. With the global blue economy projected to reach US$6 trillion by 2030, India’s maritime sector stands poised to play a transformative role in our emergence as the world’s third-largest economy.
The visionary Sagar Mala programme seamlessly integrates ports with industrial clusters, optimising logistic networks, and fostering comprehensive coastal development. The Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 streamlines regulatory frameworks and enhances multi-modal trade connectivity.
Distinguished audience, as a matter of fact, during the last decade, we have unshackled ourselves from colonial legacy also with respect to laws. And our laws are very forward-looking when it comes to harnessing modern technologies, including disruptive technologies. As a matter of fact, we are at the cusp of a new industrial revolution and this new industrial revolution, the audience will be happy to take note, India is amongst frontline nations.
India stands today as an emerging maritime powerhouse, strategically leveraging our geographical location and advanced infrastructure to spearhead global maritime initiatives. Through sophisticated maritime diplomacy, particularly initiatives like Sagar, security and growth for all in the region, we are fostering robust international partnerships and ensuring regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. Rule-based order is quintessence, and India is taking initiatives and lead to ensure that there is larger subscription to rule-based regime on seas.
I am quite confident and optimistic that this two-day Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 renews our collective dedication to honouring our maritime legacy while advancing towards sustainable innovation.
Honourable members, India has seen phenomenal economic upsurge, exponential infrastructure growth, deep digitisation. It has put itself on way to becoming third largest global economy just in a year or two. India, a developed nation, is no longer a dream, it is a goal. A goal that will surely be attained. India is no longer a nation with a potential, India is on the rise, the rise is unstoppable. Global institutions have accoladed India’s progress as a role model for the rest of the world.
We certainly have to take pride that global institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, hold out India as favourite destination of investment and opportunity. In any field, be it sea, blue economy, be it on land, be it in sky, or be it in space, India’s rise is phenomenal. Our marathon march to 2047, when we celebrate centenary of our independence as a developed nation, is being fuelled by our youth, by our citizens. This engine, let me assure you distinguished audience, is firing on all cylinders. India’s rise in any field is auspicious for global harmony, global peace. On global forum most recently, G20, India has demonstrated the world we believe in global inclusivity.
That is why three distinct steps taken, inclusion of African Union as a member of G20, bringing on radar, bringing in deep focus global south, and with respect to maritime, charting route, land, sea, and land again, that existed long back. And therefore, when such kind of initiatives are taken so successfully, I find it imperative to extend my profound appreciation.
Those who are bringing it about, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Government of Gujarat, and all distinguished contributors to this momentous event but I gather from the Honourable Minister that in the audience we have, as I indicated earlier, our friends from Europe and Southeast Asia, historians, archaeologists, policy makers, those who are interested in this discipline in particular, and those who are in industry that bears upon this sector. I have no doubt we will be achieving significantly beyond our expectations in coming years.
Together let us chart our course forward, a prosperous and sustainable maritime future that honours our past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.