India and Denmark discuss maritime security, explore deeper cooperation
Copenhagen, June 19
An Indian delegation met with the Danish State Secretary and the Maritime Security envoy to discuss the global security environment, especially in the maritime field, the Indian Embassy in Denmark said Friday.
"The inaugural Maritime Security Dialogue between India and Denmark was held this week," the Embassy of India wrote on X.
"The Indian delegation led by Ms Subhashini Narayanan, Joint Secretary, D&ISA Division, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), comprising representatives from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), along with the Ambassador Manish Prabhat, met State Secretary Ms. Lotte Machon, Maritime Security envoy Mr Nicolai Ruge and the officials of the Danish Defence Ministry," it added.
According to the Embassy, both sides discussed the global security environment, especially in the maritime field, and explored possibilities for deeper cooperation.
"Maritime security increasing concern for both Denmark and India. The first Maritime Security Dialogue between Denmark and India is taking place in Copenhagen this week, including a working lunch with Danish defence companies in the maritime space," Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, noted on X, on Thursday.
During the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Acting Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Store, the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, the Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir, and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, issued a joint statement where they agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime security.
According to the MEA, the leaders reinforced their commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In this regard, they looked forward to joint activities through bilateral dialogues as well as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and in keeping with the vision 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
"The leaders will engage on addressing the growing challenge of Illicit Maritime Activities (IMA), including piracy, contraband smuggling, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime pollution, safety and security of seafarers," the MEA noted.
"The institution of Maritime Security Dialogues with Norway and Denmark was noted. The leaders underscored the need to collaborate in ensuring the safety and security of seafarers through enhanced information sharing and inter-agency coordination," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Strategic partnerships are nice, but let's hope our navy gets the budget it deserves. These dialogues mean little without actual ships and submarines. Also, are we ensuring our own fishermen don't get caught in the crossfire of these IMA operations? Needs more local consultation 🙏
Great to see Denmark and India strengthening ties on maritime security. As someone from the West, I think this kind of cooperation is exactly what we need in the Indo-Pacific. The free and open seas principle needs all hands on deck, especially from major navies like India's.
The mention of IUU fishing is critical. Indian fishermen from Kerala and Tamil Nadu often end up detained by Sri Lanka or Pakistan due to unclear maritime boundaries. If Denmark can share best practices on monitoring illegal fishing, that's a win for our coastal communities. But implementation is key.
Interesting to see Denmark taking a lead on maritime security. With China's navy becoming more active in the Indian Ocean, partnerships like this are crucial for maintaining balance. Good that India is engaging Nordic countries beyond just the usual dialogues.
One small criticism - these high-level meetings are fine, but what about the practical side? Our fishermen still face harassment in international waters. We need better coordination on the ground, not just fancy reports. Otherwise, it's just diplomatic showboating. 😕
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.