The fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) was hosted by the Indian Navy from October 29–31, 2023 under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. The conclave’s theme “Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks” aptly highlights the present and necessary imperative for ‘harmonising and collaborating capacities and capabilities’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) towards realising our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The event hosted Minister/ Chiefs of Navies/ Heads of Maritime Forces from 12 IOR countries comprising Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

On Day 1 of the interaction, the Keynote Address was delivered by the Chief Guest Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi delivered the Special Address.

Congratulating the GMC initiative for offering a workable platform for meaningful dialogue towards developing mutual trust, a necessary condition for collaboration and growth, Defence Minister, emphasised that there is an indispensable responsibility for the countries of the IOR to synergise their efforts towards successfully combating the threats and challenges that manifest either at or from the sea.

The MoS for External Affairs and Culture highlighted the rich maritime history of India and the role of maritime commons in connecting different civilizations across the region, and called for cooperation and capacity building of stakeholders towards enhancing the resilience and prosperity of this region.

Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, spoke about the GMC evolving from a small construct of Principals of Maritime Security agencies to a functional construct that deals with transnational challenges on the Indian Ocean Region. Highlighting that “oceanic challenges that fester in the Region affect resident states the most” he stated that the idea is to take onus of resolving these issues in a cooperative manner. Thus, “in the last Edition of GMC in 2021, ‘Common Minimum Priorities’ were arrived at, and in this year the aim is to formulate ‘Collaborative Mitigation Frameworks’ to address these priorities”.

VAdm M.A. Hampiholi, the FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command delivered the initial welcome address wherein he thanked all the delegations for their participation in the Indian Navy’s initiative to harness the joint potential of all in the IOR towards a common future. He emphasised the persistent commitment of the Indian Navy towards a secure and inclusive IOR.

Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, while delivering the conclave address, highlighted the value of collaboration among the IOR countries in ensuring open and secure global commons. He further brought to the attention of the forum various Indian initiatives to enable constructive engagement with all partner nation in the region and also the need to progressively strengthen the existing cooperation mechanisms.

In line with the principal theme of the conclave, on the first day of the event, detailed deliberations were held on four sub-themes:

• Identifying Gaps in Regulatory and Legal Frameworks for Achieving Maritime Security in the IOR
• Formulation of a Common Multi-lateral Maritime Strategy and Operating Protocols for GMC Nations for Collective Mitigation of Maritime Threats and Challenges
• Identification and Establishment of Collaborative Training Programmes with Center of Excellence across the IOR
• Leveraging Activities Pursued Through Existing Multilateral Organisations in the IOR towards Generating Collective Maritime competencies

On the sidelines of the conclave, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Flag Officers Commanding-in-Chief and the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff held bilateral interactions with their counterparts from the FFCs. In addition, Heads of Delegation/ Chief of Naval Staff from the participating countries also held bilateral interaction with their counterparts from other countries.

On the concluding day, the Chiefs of Navy/ Heads of Delegation shared their perspectives of the opportunities and threats in the IOR. There was a common thread of understanding among all the eminent speakers on the need for cooperation and collaboration in pursuing security and growth for all in the region.

As part of India’s AatmaNirbharta initiative, a “Make in India Exhibition” was organised on the sidelines of the conclave wherein India's Indigenous shipbuilding industry’s potential was showcased. The dignitaries also visited indigenous warships and witnessed the capabilities of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV).