Context: In this episode of The Big Picture based on UN debate: Maritime security. India's Prime Minister addressed the UNSC open debate on Monday on the issue of Enhancing Maritime Security. In this episode we will discuss and analyse all aspects of this issue.

Key address of PM speech

• In his remarks, Modi said that India had put forward the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All – which he said was an “inclusive" idea of maritime security.

Modi’s 5 Principles
1) First and foremost, remove barriers to maritime trade

• Stressing the importance of open sea lanes of communication, Modi said: “We must remove barriers to legitimate maritime trade. 
• Our prosperity is linked to the smooth flow of trade. Any impediment (to global trade) can challenge the global economy."

2) Fully respect rights of seafarers of other countries

• It was extremely important for ensuring global peace and stability for maritime disputes to be resolved peacefully.

3) Resolve maritime disputes peacefully, ensure peace

• Urging the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes, Modi said this was important to create trust and build confidence among nations. 
• He pointed to the resolution of the maritime boundary dispute between India and Bangladesh in 2014 after New Delhi accepted the UN Tribunal order on the matter.
• Violation of international law, even the threat of the use of force affects peace and security.
• China claims most of the South China Sea but Vietnam and other countries in the region also claim the waters, seen as one of the world’s busiest trade corridors.
• Therefore, Maritime disputes “should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law,” adding that this was “extremely important for promoting mutual trust and confidence, and ensuring global peace and stability.”
• “India’s role in the Indian Ocean has been that of a net security provider,”.

4)Jointly tackle maritime threats & natural disasters

• The prime minister also referred to problems thrown up by natural calamities and non state actors stating that countries needed to come together to take on these issues. 
• Stating that oceans have a direct impact on climate, he stressed on the need to protect the maritime environment from plastic pollution and oils spills.

5) Conserve marine resources, have norms to boost trade

• Countries needed to work on what he described as responsible maritime connectivity by ensuring the life at the bottom.
• Acknowledging the need for infrastructure to strengthen maritime trade, Modi however said that the infrastructure developed should be fiscally sustainable and match the absorption capacity of the countries involved.