Question : Freedom of Navigation

(a) whether India remained committed to promoting a free, open and rule-based order rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, while reiterating support for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the prevailing rules in this regard;

(c) whether the Government is committed to safeguard maritime interests and strengthen security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to ensure a favourable and positive maritime environment, if so, the details and the present status thereof;

(d) whether the policy of freedom of navigation and over-flight and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, reflected notably in the UNCLOS 1982 is being followed by the Government; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) India ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 on 29 June 1995. India adheres to the object and purpose of the Convention, which establishes with due regard for the sovereignty of all states, a legal order for the seas and oceans which facilitates international communication, and promotes the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment. Being a State Party, India’s rights, duties and jurisdiction in the ocean affairs are governed by the provisions of UNCLOS.

(c) Government of India is committed to safeguarding maritime interests and strengthening security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to ensure a favourable and positive maritime environment. India develops its maritime cooperation with various partners in consonance with the Government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). India also participates in regional frameworks to promote maritime cooperation and exchanges in the region.

(d) & (e) India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected in the UNCLOS. As a State Party to the UNCLOS, India promotes utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans.

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