“The piracy infested areas of Gulf of Aden pose a serious threat to us by putting at risk a large number of Indian seafarers and ships, as also our seaborne trade,” he told the packed gathering at the Shanmukhananda Hall during the the golden jubilee celebrations of the Shipping Corporation of India.
Stressing the need to enhance coastal security, especially in the context of piracy incidents, Singh said, “Our Navy, Coast Guard and shipping companies are putting up a concerted effort in close co-ordination with other international agencies to deal with the menace.”
Any industry can thrive only in a atmosphere of safety and security, he added.
Singh pointed out that since maritime sector, including shipping ports, ship-building and ship repair is vital to economy, it becomes extremely important to ensure “adequate Indian control over our maritime activity.” Talking on the contemporary shipping industry scene, he said there is an urgent need to develop shipping in tune with the global economic environment.
In the context of India's growing trade and increasing energy demand in the global energy markets, there is a need to further develop the national fleet. This accelerated pace of expansion in the shipping industry and port sector can happen, “through private-public partnership,” the prime minister said, adding that a good transport infrastructure, “i s critical for the country’s growth and coastal and inland shipping needs.”
However, he cautioned that coastal and inland shipping “needs to be developed in an environment-friendly and fuel-efficient manner.”