Question : Maritime Dialogue

(a) whether the Government has held effective bilateral maritime dialogues with France and Indonesia and has proposal to have maritime dialogue with China and Russia to strengthen our maritime ties in Indo-Pacific region;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has proposed any specific agenda on providing safety and security for Indian mariners and fishing community in this region through these maritime dialogues;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the Government’s stand in this regard; and

(e) the current status of our ties with foreign countries in Indo-Pacific region?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) India has held bilateral maritime dialogues with a number of countries in the Indo-Pacific region including Australia, China, France, Japan and the United States. The dialogues are conducted alternately in India and in the dialogue partner countries.

(b) The third maritime dialogue with France was undertaken in Paris from 14-15 June 2018 and the second maritime dialogue with China was held in Beijing on 13 July 2018.

(c) & (d) The agenda for maritime dialogues covers a broad spectrum of issues in the maritime domain including safety of personnel and security of shipping and sea lanes. These dialogues, inter alia, cover exchange of views on best practices and cooperative mechanisms to tackle challenges related to safety and security of marine personnel.

(e) India enjoys friendly relations with all countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
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