Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated a two-day maritime conference in Visakhapatnam today as part of International Fleet Review, IFR-2016.<br/><br/>Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the conference Mr. Parrikar said for strengthening world economy the navies of the world have a sublime role to play. He said for the safety and security on high seas all nations should come forward with a single motive of cooperation.<br/><br/>Mr. Parrikar suggested that all the sea faring nations and their navies should establish a communication network so as to transmit information quickly as and when necessary for each other's betterment and progress besides world peace. The theme for the conference is 'Partnering Together for a Secure Maritime Future', wherein contemporary issues of "maritime salience to the world" would be discussed by the experts and intellectuals on maritime business and security studies attending the conference. <br/><br/>Speakers of repute, both domestic and international have been invited from across the globe for an effective confluence of thoughts and ideas. Subthemes and speakers have been selected for sessions over two days to address issues pertinent to the sub-continent and seas around. While the 'Importance of Oceans and Navies in Global Geo-Strategic Matrix' is the first sub-theme of the high-profile gathering today, the topic for discussion on Monday will be 'Regional Perceptions and Approaches for Maritime Cooperative Engagements'. The Defence Minister on the sidelines of the Maritime Conference; condoled the death of Indian soldiers in Siachin saying that it's an unfortunate thing that happened.
