Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Indian Ocean region has gained centrestage for its potential impact on international geopolitics. She said, the future of the world will be determined by interactions in this region. <br/><br/>Delivering the keynote address at Goa Maritime Conclave 2017, the Minister said, the government is working towards Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR- Security and growth for all in the region. <br/><br/>She said, Indian Ocean important from the perspective of economics, but there is trust deficit and tensions among nations. Despite such complexities, Indian Ocean has been peaceful in the last few decades. Increased militarisation, emergence of non-state actors, increased vulnerability of coastal population to natural calamities are the trends visible in the region. <br/><br/>Mrs Sitaraman said, India is focusing on enhancing sea connectivity. Sagarmala involves construction of new ports and modernisation of old ones. She recalled that Indian Navy has been at the forefront of training navies of neighbouring countries. <br/><br/>Addressing the inaugural session at Goa Maritime Conclave 2017, Chief of the Naval Staff Sunil Lanba said, the conclave aims to establish a forum for like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean region to address maritime challenges and foster cooperation. He said threats in the region are transnational in nature, requiring cooperation and understanding.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Indian Ocean region has gained centrestage for its potential impact on international geopolitics. She said, the future of the world will be determined by interactions in this region. <br/><br/>Delivering the keynote address at Goa Maritime Conclave 2017, the Minister said, the government is working towards Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR- Security and growth for all in the region. <br/><br/>She said, Indian Ocean important from the perspective of economics, but there is trust deficit and tensions among nations. Despite such complexities, Indian Ocean has been peaceful in the last few decades. Increased militarisation, emergence of non-state actors, increased vulnerability of coastal population to natural calamities are the trends visible in the region. <br/><br/>Mrs Sitaraman said, India is focusing on enhancing sea connectivity. Sagarmala involves construction of new ports and modernisation of old ones. She recalled that Indian Navy has been at the forefront of training navies of neighbouring countries. <br/><br/>Addressing Conclave, Chief of the Naval Staff Sunil Lanba said, the conclave aims to establish a forum for like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean region to address maritime challenges and foster cooperation. He said, cooperation in Indian Ocean region is not a new concept. Capacity building, information sharing, training and operations have been the key areas of cooperation.