The Indian Navy is set to host the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS-24) at the Naval War College in Goa from September 23 to 24, 2024. This prestigious event is aimed at fostering cooperation and enhancing security among nations within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With increasing challenges in maritime security, GMS-24 serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration among regional partners.
Overview of the Goa Maritime Symposium
The Goa Maritime Symposium, which first began in 2016, has become a prominent annual event organized by the Indian Navy. The symposium addresses key maritime issues such as regional security, maritime trade, and emerging threats in the Indian Ocean. Experts and officials from various nations participate in discussions on topics like the impact of climate change on oceans, piracy, and illegal maritime activities. Over the years, GMS has gained importance as a forum to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships while addressing common challenges in the IOR.
Theme of GMS-24
The theme for this year’s symposium is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.” With an emphasis on threats such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and other unlawful activities, GMS-24 will focus on identifying solutions to ensure maritime safety and security. The symposium aims to address the growing concerns surrounding illegal fishing, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and environmental degradation in the Indian Ocean.
Goals of the Symposium
The primary objective of GMS-24 is to enhance multilateral cooperation and address the shared maritime security challenges faced by IOR nations. Through open discussions and strategic partnerships, the symposium aims to create a more secure and stable maritime environment. By promoting regional collaboration, the event seeks to address the pressing issues that affect trade, security, and sustainability in the Indian Ocean.
Participating Nations
This year’s symposium will see the participation of 14 countries, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in maritime security. The participating nations include:
- Bangladesh
- Comoros
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Myanmar
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Thailand
This diverse representation underscores the shared interests of these countries in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Navy: A Pillar of Maritime Security
Founded in 1950, the Indian Navy is one of the world’s largest naval forces, committed to ensuring maritime security, conducting humanitarian missions, and maintaining regional stability. Over the decades, the Indian Navy has played a vital role in key operations, including its significant contribution during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
With over 150 ships and submarines, the Indian Navy is renowned for its operational capabilities. Its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned in 1961, marking a new era for the nation’s naval strength. The navy’s special forces unit, MARCOS (Marine Commandos), is highly skilled in maritime special operations.
The Indian Navy operates under the motto “Sam No Varunah” which translates to “May the Lord of Water be auspicious to us,” signifying its deep connection to protecting the seas. As the host of GMS-24, the Indian Navy continues to demonstrate its leadership in promoting regional maritime security and cooperation.
Summing Up
The Goa Maritime Symposium 2024 is a significant milestone in fostering collaboration among Indian Ocean nations. As maritime security challenges continue to evolve, the symposium serves as a critical platform for dialogue, coordination, and action. With 14 countries coming together, GMS-24 underscores the need for united efforts in addressing common security threats and ensuring the safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. Through these partnerships, the Indian Navy reinforces its commitment to regional stability and maritime cooperation, positioning India as a key player in global maritime security.