Port Blair, Feb. 3: An ‘International Maritime Seminar’ on ‘Capacity Building Through Maritime Cooperation’ was conducted today at Dweepika Auditorium, Andaman & Nicobar Command. The seminar was inaugurated by Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Lt Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Addressing the delegates, the LG highlighted the role of Navies in Capacity Building Through Maritime Cooperation.

Admiral Nirmal Verma, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) delivering his keynote address stressed on enhancement of Maritime Co-operation for mutual benefit to contribute towards peace and stability in the region. He also emphasized on secure and stable regional environment for economic development as well as social upliftment of the countries of Indian Ocean region.

During the proceedings of the seminar, five professional papers were presented. The seminar was conducted in two sessions, focusing on issues pertaining to Cooperation framework for capacity building for undertaking regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations in the first session and Marine Co-operation for ensuring unfettered use of the seas in the second session.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Pradeep Kaushiva, UYSM, VSM and Ambassador HK Singh presented papers during the first session, while Lt Gen (Retd) Prakash Menon, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Ph.D, Dr. Euan Graham, Senior Fellow, RSIS, Singapore and Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash, AVSM, VrC, VSM presented papers during the second session.

The Seminar culminated with a brainstorming open house session wherein all participants and speakers discussed to evolve newer and effective concepts in the field of Maritime Cooperation & HADR operations. The seminar concluded with closing address by Lt Gen NC Marwah, PVSM, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command who appreciated the delegates for their contribution towards success of the seminar.