75^th Session of the UN General Assembly

Agenda Item 77 (a)

Oceans and the Law of the Sea

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. Yedla Umasankar

First Secretary/Legal adviser

8 December 2020

Mr. President, 

The ocean is our planet’s largest life-support system. It stabilizes climate; stores carbon; produces oxygen; nurtures biodiversity; directly supports human well-being through food, mineral, and energy resources; and provides cultural and recreational services. The value of the ocean economy speaks to its importance.

2. Oceans are interconnected and need to be considered as a whole. The emergence of ocean governance assumes that challenges of the ocean space are closely interrelated and requires all nations to cooperate in the management of the oceans. 

3. Since its adoption, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affiliated institutions governing the law of the sea have played a pivotal role in ensuring the harmonious and judicious use of ocean resources for mankind. 

4. The International Sea-bed Authority, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf established under the Convention hold the key to proper implementation of the provisions of the Convention and to the realization of desired benefits from the uses of the seas. 

5. At the same time, we note that our understanding of oceans and their wide ranging impacts on life; as also the impact of human activities on oceans is constantly evolving due to scientific and technical advances. Today we have access to some of the deepest parts of the oceans.  

6. We thank the Secretary General for his Reports A/75/70, A/75/157 and A/75/340 on the oceans and the law of the sea, which covers, inter alia, legal and policy framework; maritime spaces; importance of the human dimension; maritime safety and security; and climate change. We would also like to thank Ms. Natalie Morris-Sharma (Singapore) and Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik (Norway) for coordinating the resolutions on Oceans and the Law of the Sea and on Sustainable Fisheries respectively. 

Mr. President,

7. COVID-19 pandemic affected the implementation of ocean-related work programmes. Unfortunately, the fourth session of the intergovernmental conference on an international legally binding instrument under the Convention on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was also postponed. The work of international tribunals involved in the settlement of maritime disputes and various capacity-building activities were also affected.

8. In this context, Covid-19 shows us the importance of preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, and marine biodiversity is no exception. 

Mr. President, 

9. Being a country with a vast coastline of more than 7,500 km and over thousand islands whose one-third population lives along the coast, India has a longstanding maritime tradition and abiding interest in ocean affairs. India is a seafaring nation with a large coastal economy. We are acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that oceans represent: from sustainable fisheries to prevention and control of marine litter and plastic pollution, from affordable renewable energy to eco-tourism and early warning systems for disaster risk reduction and management, building resilience and adaptation to climate change. 

10. India recognizes Blue Economy as a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development. We must work towards innovative technologies for offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, deep seabed mining and marine biotechnology which provide new source of jobs. The need for ‘greening’ the ocean economy is also gaining importance. 

11. India is concerned with the illegal fishing practices and those relating to maritime safety and security, including the acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea. We are happy to actively engage with the work of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) which has contributed significantly in controlling piracy in the Western Indian Ocean.

12. India took active part in the negotiations of the First, Second and more importantly the Third UN Conference on Law of the Sea and is active supporter of its holistic interpretation and harmonious implementation. In addition to UNCLOS, India is party to the Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of the Convention of 10 December 1982, Fish Stocks Convention 1995, MARPOL 73/78, the International Ballast Water Convention 2004, the London Convention 1972 and other agreements, especially those related to the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. 

Mr. President,

13. While the legal regime on the regulation of the oceans is fairly well developed, the challenges faced in effective implementation of UNCLOS obligations and other related agreements are an important focus area.  

14. Effective global partnership is necessary for capacity building and collaboration on technology; financial assistance; greater awareness and sharing scientific knowledge with LDCs, developing countries and those with special vulnerabilities to help them meet their international obligations.  

15. India cooperates with partners in the region through its membership of the South Asian Seas Action Plan (SASAP) 1995, which is serviced by the secretariat of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP). The main focus of the South Asian Seas Action Plan is on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), oil-spill contingency planning, human resource development and the environmental effects of land-based activities.

Mr. President,

16. We cannot allow our seas to turn into zones of contention. Secure and open sea lanes are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development.

17. India calls for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific, based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws. India’s concept of the Indo-Pacific is inclusive in nature, and supports an approach that respects the right to freedom of navigation and overflight for all in the international seas. India’s IndoPacific vision is premised upon the principle of ‘ASEAN-Centrality’. India’s approach is based on cooperation and collaboration, given the need for shared responses to shared challenges in the region.

18. India reiterates the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight on the high seas, unimpeded lawful commerce, as well as resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We have seen instances where decisions of international judicial bodies are not being respected or given effect to by countries. This is clearly unacceptable. We call on all member states to respect rule of law at international level.

19. Terrorism and transnational crimes such as drug and weapons smuggling, human trafficking and piracy could also have similar impact on maritime activities. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and natural disasters are other issues that could have a catastrophic impact on all maritime activities and the environment as such. It would be evident that no nation however powerful or rich would have the resources to meet all the above tasks alone.

20. Oceans are a common concern of mankind, apart from the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction which is a common heritage of mankind. Therefore cooperation between all stake holder nations to ensure peace and stability in the seas is essential to safeguard common maritime interests and in furthering human development. Trust and confidence between nations is essential to ensure cooperative security. 

Mr. President,

21. Three decades ago, India was the first country to receive the status of a Pioneer Investor in the Indian Ocean. Indian scientists today collaborate in research stations on the Arctic Ocean studying its links with climate in our own region. Indian hydrographers partner in capacity building efforts with our maritime neighbours. Indian institutions work closely with regional partners in improving early warning systems for tsunamis and cyclones. Indian naval ships are deployed in delivery of humanitarian assistance and emergency evacuation as also in patrolling sea-lanes against pirates. A disaster resilient world demands disaster resilient infrastructure. India remains committed to address the challenges of complex humanitarian emergencies through building disaster resilient infrastructure. In this context, India has taken the initiative to launch the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in partnership with several other countries during the Climate Action Summit 2019.

22. India is strongly committed to protect its coastal and marine environment and attaches special importance to prevent and significantly reduce marine debris and litter by 2025, through global action and collective efforts of all stakeholders. We have also undertaken the commitment to eliminate single-use plastic in India by 2022.

23. India is committed to the sustainable development of its Blue Economy partnership for the 2030 Agenda, including SDG 14 pertaining to conservation of oceans. Prime Minister of India has announced India’s priority to the Indian Ocean region through the concept of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Under this, India would continue to actively pursue and promote its geo-political, strategic and economic interests on the seas, in particular the Indian Ocean.

24. We hope that we can jointly protect and preserve oceans in our collective interest for sustainable development.

Thank you Mr. President. 

___