Indian Navy Hosts Goa Maritime Symposium 2024

The Indian Navy host the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS-24) at the Naval War College in Goa from September 23 to 24, 2024. The symposium is focused on strengthening cooperation and security among countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Overview of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS)

The Goa Maritime Symposium began in 2016 as an annual event organized by the Indian Navy. It promotes dialogue on key maritime issues, including security, regional cooperation, and maritime trade. Experts from various countries discuss topics like the impact of climate change on oceans and threats such as piracy. Over the years, the symposium has grown in importance, helping to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships and maritime security efforts in the Indian Ocean Region.

Theme of GMS-24

The theme for GMS-24 is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.” The symposium will focus on addressing threats such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with other illegal activities that threaten maritime safety and security.

Goals of the Symposium

The main aim of the symposium is to enhance cooperation among participating nations to tackle common security challenges. By working together, these countries hope to make the Indian Ocean safer and more secure.

Participating Nations

Representatives from 14 countries will attend the symposium, including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.

This wide range of participants highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared maritime security concerns.

About the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy, established in 1950, is one of the largest naval forces in the world. Its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned in 1961. The navy’s motto, “Sam No Varunah,” means “May the Lord of Water be auspicious to us.” The Indian Navy operates over 150 ships and submarines, focusing on ensuring maritime security and conducting humanitarian missions. It played a significant role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and has a special forces unit called MARCOS (Marine Commandos).

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: Defence Current Affairs