On November 29, 2018, the Valdai Discussion Club will host an expert discussion on the maritime security of India featuring Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy.
The Indian Ocean has never been so strategically important. Economic issues and security challenges in this basin are crucial for national security strategies of the region’s countries, which demonstrate strong economic growth. This is also facilitated by the fact that the region is rich in hydrocarbon reserves.
The world order is rapidly changing. New forces begin to compete with the states that have influence in the region, and would like to gain a foothold in the area.
The term “Indo-Pacific” is becoming increasingly relevant in modern geopolitics in the context of juxtaposition and even competition between two concepts – the Asia-Pacific and the Indo-Pacific. It is noteworthy that the Western strategy of Indo-Pacific is focused precisely on maritime cooperation.
India, for its part, seeks to preserve the integrity and security of its maritime territories, advocates for freedom of navigation and supports unhindered trade based on the principles of international law.
What are the main challenges to the maritime security of India and other countries of the region? How does maritime security in South Asia affect the situation in the Asian region as a whole? What contribution can Russia make to ensure security in the Indian Ocean? What is the point of view of New Delhi on the prospects of compatibility of the concepts of Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific?
Participants in the discussion will address these and many other issues.
Moderator:
Andrei Sushentsov, Programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club, Director of the Institute of International Studies, MGIMO University.
Speaker:
Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy.
