In Mauritius, Modi appeals for peaceful resolution of maritime issues

Port Louis: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a fervent plea for peaceful resolution of maritime issues and respect for international maritime rules and called for forming a strong grouping around the Indian Ocean. On the second leg of his three-nation visit, he commissioned the India-built coastal patrol vessel for Mauritius in the presence of his host Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth and touched upon the need for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. [caption id=“attachment_2150741” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Narendra Modi. AFP[/caption] Stating that the world often defines regional groupings around landmass, Modi said the time has come for a strong grouping around the Indian Ocean. “We will pursue this with new vigour in the years ahead,” he said, adding, there can be no better place to host the Indian Ocean Regional Association (IORA) than Mauritius. Modi said those who live in the region have the primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. As China tries to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean region, Modi said India recognised that there are other nations around the world, with strong interests and stakes in the region. “But, we recognise that there are other nations around the world, with strong interests and stakes in the region. “We seek a future for Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of ‘SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region’,” he said. PTI