Bharat’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, recently emphasized Bharat’s stance against what he termed as ‘Matsya Nyay’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), during his visit to the INS Jalashwa in Visakhapatnam. He expressed Bharat’s commitment to ensuring that smaller nations are not dominated by stronger powers in the region.
Singh highlighted the importance of collective welfare and prosperity, stating, “We do not accept the ‘Matsya Nyay’ where a big fish eats a smaller fish. Working together with our friend nations, we will progress on the path of ‘sarvajan hitay sarvajan sukhay’ (welfare for all, happiness for all); we will not let the Indian Ocean region become a ‘Matsya Nyay’ region.”
#WATCH | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, " …In our last tenure also, we gave full attention to Navy and maritime security but in this tenure…our focus will be to strengthen maritime security to the maximum and to make our Naval power's… https://t.co/RDahwLumgS pic.twitter.com/mGmg4kxCZn
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024
The Defence Minister underscored the Bharatiya government’s focus on bolstering maritime security and enhancing the effectiveness of Bharat’s naval presence in the IOR. He emphasized that Bharat’s Navy plays a crucial role in preventing any nation from exerting undue influence over others based solely on economic or military might.
Singh further linked this strategy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security And Growth for All in the Region), which aims to ensure safety and mutual progress among partner countries in the region.
During his visit to the Eastern Naval Command, Singh reflected on the government’s priorities, stating, “Our first visit always carries a message.” He compared it to his previous tenure’s focus on securing India’s northern borders, highlighting the current administration’s renewed commitment to maritime security and naval strength in the IOR.
He also emphasized that Bharat’s national interests are closely tied to maritime security, which not only ensures sovereignty but also supports vital economic activities such as trade and resource extraction in the Indian Ocean. Singh reiterated that the Indian Navy is pivotal in safeguarding these interests while ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Singh’s visit and statements underscore Bharat’s proactive stance in enhancing its maritime capabilities and fostering cooperation among Indian Ocean nations. The government’s commitment to strengthening naval power reflects its broader strategy to safeguard national interests and promote regional prosperity in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
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