Two-day naval seminar on Indian Ocean Region begins

Mumbai, Apr 26 (UNI) Rear Admiral Rakesh Pandit, Flag officer, Doctrines and Concept, inaugurated a two-day seminar on 'Opportunities and Threats in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) over the next Decade' at the Western Naval Command Mess here today.

The seminar has been organised as part of the valedictory functions being held on the eve of graduation of 19 Naval Higher Command Course graduates from the College of Naval Warfare (CNW).

The seminar will have eminent speakers along with senior naval officers and academicians and would aim to provide a multi disciplinary approach towards understanding the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region and carry out an assessment of opportunitites and threats to India's national interests in IOR over the next decade.

The vast IOR encompassing 52 states that surround the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, is one of endemic instability and a prime arena for world attention.

This politically turbulent area contains flash points which is not only a concern to India but to the world at large. Also the IOR remains the single largest source of oil and an important source of natural gas worldwide.

The exposure to divergent views expressed at the conference would help the Naval Higher Command Course participants to understand the dynamics of this region and be ready for the larger role that Indian Navy is likely to play in this region in the future.

UNI