Text of the Vice-President’s speech – Inauguration of International Maritime Seminar - MILAN 2024

Namaskar!

I am happy to be with you in Eastern Naval Command which has played a very crucial role in India’s maritime history and earned laurels for the country. I extend warm greetings to all our friends, who have come together from several countries to participate in the International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 2024.Those of my friends who are from abroad, Milan is a hindi word.Milan means a sublime meeting of mind, heart and soul. This seminar undoubtedly will exemplify the same.

Soothing to find that editions of MILAN are continually getting productive and in some ways defining way forward stances. It is one of its kind impactful platform for sharing best practices and expertise as also a crucible of involved interaction much
beyond surface scratching.

With modest beginning in 1995 to the participation of more than 15 warships and 51 delegations, MILAN is certainly turning out to be a delivery platform for meaningful dialogue and deliberations for participating Navies.

Friends-Disruptive technologies of all kinds have made deep inroads in our lives. These offer both challenges and opportunities. I am sure there will be an occasion for you all to deliberate on this aspect as well.

Milan 2024 aims to strengthen global cooperation and maritime security-an ever evolving challenge. Its object is to foster interoperability and understanding between participating navies.This august assemblage of domain experts serves as a testament to the shared commitment of nations towards ensuring the much needed maritime safety and Security.

Proactive collaboration key and if I may say so only key to shared peace & prosperity. Milan 24 indeed has an apt theme "Partners Across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy,Growth". This is of contemporaneous
relevance, noticing emerging challenges and reflecting the spirit of unity that transcends geographical boundaries.

Friends, it is in the fitness of things that India, home to one sixth of humanity and largest functional vibrant democracy, with rising economy is playing its due role in catalysing partnerships, Collaboration, Synergy Across Oceans and issues concerning maritime Security.

Given the challenges we face, it imperative for nations to come together, share experiences and develop collaborative strategies to ensure the safety, security and sustainability of our oceans.