THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 24, 2026

Emphasising the strategic importance of the maritime sector in India’s growth trajectory, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said that maritime trade and security are not merely matters of national defence but vital gateways to prosperity, economic development, and international cooperation.

Inaugurating the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) Meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, the Chief Minister stated that the sea is far more than a geographical boundary. “It is a gateway to immense opportunities, prosperity, and global partnerships,” he remarked.

Highlighting the growing significance of the Indo-Pacific region, Majhi said the 21st century is the “Indo-Pacific Century,” with India steadily emerging as a major maritime power on the global stage. He noted that the decision to hold this prestigious national-level meeting in Odisha for the first time outside New Delhi reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cooperative federalism and the strengthening of Centre-State collaboration.

The Chief Minister underscored that India’s oceans, ports, fisheries resources, and Blue Economy constitute invaluable national assets. Their protection, he said, is crucial not only for safeguarding national security but also for sustaining economic growth and ensuring the livelihoods of millions of coastal communities dependent on marine resources.

He pointed out that maritime security today extends beyond conventional law enforcement and includes the protection of critical infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, disaster management, and environmental conservation. These emerging challenges, he said, require coordinated and technology-driven responses.

Reflecting on Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, Majhi highlighted the State’s 575-kilometre-long coastline along the Bay of Bengal. He recalled the historic maritime expeditions of ancient Kalinga’s Sadhaba traders, who established trade and cultural links with Southeast Asian nations through sea routes. The legacy of those voyages, he noted, continues to be celebrated through the famous Bali Jatra festival.

The Chief Minister further said that Odisha is playing a pivotal role in India’s maritime development story. To strengthen the State’s strategic maritime position, a deep-sea port is being developed in Ganjam district, while a shipbuilding cluster is being established near Paradip.

Reaffirming Odisha’s support for the Government of India’s maritime initiatives, Majhi said the State fully backs progressive policies such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Act East Policy, BIMSTEC, and the Coastal Security Scheme Phase-III.

He also stressed the growing role of advanced technologies in maritime security, advocating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and sophisticated monitoring networks. The installation of NABHMITRA transponders in fishing vessels and the implementation of the Coastal Vibrant Village Programme, he said, are significant steps toward strengthening coastal and maritime security.

The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Odisha Police, and other agencies engaged in safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers.

Addressing the gathering, National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) and former Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta observed that there is no single model for ensuring maritime security. Instead, he stressed the need for a well-designed strategic framework that integrates multiple approaches. He noted that the National Maritime Security Office in New Delhi has been playing a crucial role in creating awareness, coordinating maritime security efforts, and guiding coastal states across the country.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, in her address, highlighted that maritime security is not confined to military or defence considerations alone. She urged senior officials participating in the conference to focus not only on mainland coastal regions but also on the security and development of offshore islands, which are equally important from a strategic and developmental perspective.

The conference was attended by Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, maritime security coordinators from coastal states, senior officials of the Central and State Governments, and representatives from the media.

DGP Khurania delivered the welcome address at the event.