India has said, seas cannot be turned into zones of contention. Addressing the UN Ocean Conference in the General Assembly of United Nations in New York yesterday, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said, secure and open sea lanes are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development and it cannot be turned into zones of contention. <br/><br/>Reiterating the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight on the high seas, unimpeded lawful commerce, as well as resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means. <br/><br/>Mr Akbar said, India believes that there cannot be sustainable development without sustainable engagement among blue nations.<br/>The Ocean Conference, which opened on the 5th of this month, is the first ever such summit convened by the UN.<br/><br/> It aims to present a platform for the world to reverse the precipitous decline of the health of the oceans and seas with concrete solutions.