Philippines, India hold inaugural maritime dialogue

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and India have reiterated their call for full and faithful compliance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitration Award.

During the inaugural Track 1 Maritime Dialogue held recently in Manila, the Philippines and India expressed their shared interest in a free, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for all.

The two nations exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation in furthering a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, and the rules-based international order and reinforced the primacy of the UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out.

While endeavoring to increase bilateral engagements, they also deliberated on avenues to collaborate at various international and regional fora for shared objectives.

They exchanged views and committed to share best practices, partner in maritime capacity building initiatives, engage in information sharing and explore other forms of practical cooperation.

The two sides also reached an understanding to look further into navy and coast guard cooperation, hydrography cooperation and sister port arrangements.

The Philippines and India also took the opportunity to echo the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Security Council for respect for the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, and for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.

They expressed appreciation to the global maritime sector for prioritizing the safety of seafarers.

The Philippines encouraged India to consider proactive efforts to promote and protect the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers, and give due regard to the right of seafarers to refuse to sail in designated high-risk areas.

They committed to mutually support each other at the IMO, for the benefit of seafarers, and to engage with states and maritime industry stakeholders to look into international cooperation on timely and practical initiatives, enhanced awareness for seafarers navigating high-risk areas, sharing real-time threat intelligence and development of safer routes.

The dialogue was preceded by site visits by the Indian delegation to key maritime facilities in Manila and Subic.

The Philippine delegation was led by Marshall Louis Alferez, assistant secretary of the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, joint secretary of the Disarmament and International Security Affairs of the Ministry of External Affairs.

The event coincided with 75 years of diplomatic relationship between the two nations this year.

The Track 1 dialogue built on the success of the inaugural Track 2 maritime dialogue held on Sept. 12 last year in Manila, which identified several promising areas for collaboration between the two countries.

The progress to a Track 1 dialogue signifies the commitment of both sides to deepen their engagement on maritime issues.

The second round of the Philippines-India maritime dialogue will be hosted by India next year.