'Might Is Right' Philosophy Has No Place In Maritime Order: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Dig At China
Speaking at the Indian Navy's Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that a 'might is right' philosophy has no place in such a maritime order.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a speech delivered during the Goa Maritime Conclave, emphasised the importance of fair rules of engagement and the rejection of a 'might is right' approach in maritime order. These remarks are widely viewed as a subtle reference to China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The conclave, which began on Sunday and is set to last for three days, has brought together representatives from 12 countries, including chiefs of navies and heads of maritime forces.
Rajnath Singh pointed out the significance of upholding international maritime laws, as established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, and the value of a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, news agency PTI reported.
He stressed that a 'might is right' philosophy has no place in such a maritime order. Additionally, Singh stressed the need to avoid actions driven by selfish interests, which could undermine the region's security and prosperity. In his words, “Our common security and prosperity cannot be preserved without all of us committing to cooperatively adhering to the legitimate maritime rules of engagement”, as quoted by PTI.
Furthermore, the Defence Minister called for fair rules of engagement to facilitate collaboration and prevent the dominance of any single country in a hegemonic manner.
The Goa Maritime Conclave has united representatives from Comoros, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These countries are discussing common maritime challenges and opportunities in the Indian Ocean region.
Amid growing global concerns over China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, Singh addressed the importance of establishing multinational collaborative frameworks to address shared maritime issues, including climate change, piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and freedom of commerce in high seas. He particularly emphasised the significance of collaboration in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable practices to combat climate change.
"How do we build trust? We build trust through dialogues such as the GMC, joint exercises, industrial collaboration, sharing of resources, respecting international law, etc.," Rajnath Singh stated, as quoted by news agency PTI. He stressed that trust between cooperating nations would lead to the optimal handling of common maritime concerns.
"Since our countries interact with each other on a multitude of issues, it is possible to build trust by discussion and consultation with each other," the defence minister affirmed, citing the Sanskrit adage 'Sanghe Shakti Kaliyuge,' which suggests that strength lies in collaboration and cooperation, particularly in the present era.
"If the threats that we face are supranational in scope and impact, international efforts to address them will indeed have limited effects. Regional challenges can be managed through multinational collaborative mitigation frameworks," Singh said, as per PTI.
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Vaccine of collaboration, climate responsibility and climate justice: Rajnath Singh
Regarding the climate crisis, Singh likened it to a pandemic and stressed the need for collaboration, climate responsibility, and climate justice as the vaccine. By investing in green technology and shared solutions, all countries can work together to reduce emissions and address climate change.
“It is a vaccine of collaboration, climate responsibility and climate justice. If all countries accept the responsibility to cut the emission by investing in green economy and shared technology, there is no reason why humanity cannot overcome this problem as well,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
Our narrow immediate interests tempt us to flout or disrespect the international laws, but doing so will lead to the breakdown of civilised maritime intercourse, he remarked.
Singh also warned against flouting or disrespecting international laws, emphasising that adherence to maritime rules and cooperative commitment is essential to maintaining common security and prosperity. Neglecting these principles could lead to a breakdown in civilised maritime relations, and he cautioned against the "law of the jungle" taking hold.
“Our common security and prosperity cannot be preserved without all committing cooperatively and adhering to maritime rules,” he emphasised.
The Goa Maritime Conclave brings together chiefs of navies, heads of maritime forces, and senior representatives from Indian Ocean littoral states, including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The conclave serves as a platform for these nations to collaborate and address shared maritime concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.
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