4th edition of Goa Maritime Conclave GMC 2023 was hosted by Indian Navy from 29 – 31 Oct 2023 under the aegis of Naval War College, Goa. The conclave’s theme “Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks” aptly highlights the present and necessary imperative for ‘harmonising and collaborating capacities and capabilities’ in IOR towards realising our Hon’ble PM vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The event hosted Minister/ Chiefs of Navies/ Heads of Maritime Forces from 12 IOR countries comprising Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, SriLanka and Thailand. Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS, spoke about GMC evolving from a small construct of Principals of Maritime Security agencies to a functional construct that deals with transnational challenges on IOR. Highlighting that “oceanic challenges that fester in the Region affect resident states the most” he stated that the idea is to take onus of resolving these issues in a cooperative manner. Thus, “in the last Edition of GMC in 2021, ‘Common Minimum Priorities’ were arrived at, and in this year the aim is to formulate ‘Collaborative Mitigation Frameworks’ to address these priorities”. On concluding day, Chiefs of Navy/ Heads of Delegation shared their perspectives of the opportunities and threats in IOR. There was a common thread of understanding among all eminent speakers on the need for cooperation and collaboration in pursuing security and growth for all in the region. As part of India’s Aatma Nirbharta initiative, a Makei in India Exhibition was organised on sidelines of the conclave wherein India's Indigenous shipbuilding industry’s potential was showcased. The dignitaries also visited indigenous warships and witnessed the capabilities of Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel DSRV.
