World needs doctrine to address security challenges from sea, sky & space: MJ Akbar

Panaji, Oct 13: Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has said that emerging security challenges from sea, sky, and space faced by the world needs to be addressed by a doctrine to explore a solution. Speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day Sagar Discourse 1.0 with participants from 22 countries and organised by Forum for Integrated National Security – a non-governmental think tank, at a resort in South Goa last night, he said, “Sea, Sky, space and security do not have boundaries. Hence, to create harmony rather than conflict, we need a doctrine.” Sharing his thoughts on the modern era conflict, he pointed out that the solution lay in addressing the economic aspiration of the masses and those countries who would not address it would be in terrible state. 'As land gets exhausted and green becomes brown, the only option left for us is blue referring to the sea and its resources,' he said. Referring to the geographical map of India, Minister Akbar said, “We are trapped in the landmass map of India. But Indian land map is more secured and strategically, we must look at the sea map of India, which is much bigger and extends it reach from the Gulf to Straits of Malacca.' Wishing the conclave all success, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, in his address referred to 60 per cent of the world trade passing through the Indian ocean and the need for ocean security beyond military and from an economic perspective. He sought good solutions from Sagar manthan (churn) and derive amrit (Nector) from the 3-day Sagar Discourse.  UNI