Question : Bilateral Maritime Dialogue

(a) whether a bilateral maritime dialogue between India and China was recently held in Beijing;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the issues discussed by both sides in this regard;

(c) the consensus made and mechanism developed between the two countries on maritime issues;

(d) whether the Government has taken steps to engage maritime forces of friendly nations at multiple levels in training and maritime security operations;

(e) whether the Government proposes to protect and utilize the country’s long coastline, numerous island and large exclusive economic zone and continental shelf to reap the benefits of a blue economy; and

(f) the steps taken / being taken by the Government to boost bilateral maritime relations with other countries?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) & (b): The Second India-China Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in Beijing on 13th July, 2018. Both sides exchanged views on various topics of mutual interest, including perspectives on maritime security, blue economy, and further strengthening of practical cooperation.

(c) Both sides underlined the importance of this Dialogue as an important mechanism between the two countries for consultation on maritime issues.

(d) As part of the defence diplomacy initiatives of the Government, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard undertake cooperation with their counterparts in Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), covering capacity building, capability enhancement, as well as shared maritime domain awareness.

(e) & (f): Yes Madam, the Government is engaged with all the key partners for strengthening maritime cooperation through structured interactions and other mechanisms.

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