India on Monday proposed an offer to supply military equipment, surveillance system, and cooperation in patrolling the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to thwart illegal activities to Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries. This is a step taken by India to expand its outreach among the IOR nations.
While addressing at the Goa Maritime Conclave, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, “We are willing to work with partners in upgrading maritime hardware and software.”
The conclave also saw Chiefs of Navies and heads of maritime forces from 12 IOR countries including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in attendance.
Foreign Secretary also reiterated that maritime transport and logistics were a major component of the economy. He also said that IOR will face a more demanding security situation with an ever-increasing battery of threats. “India stands ready and willing to do its share and more in tackling these problems,” he added.
