Annual Report 2007 - Observer Research Foundation

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash
launched the MSP in Chennai and expressed his
happiness that think tanks such as ORF and NMF
were jointly promoting maritime interests
MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAMME
Towards the end of 2005, a decision was taken that there is a need for Observer Research Foundation
to engage itself in the process of building a maritime India. During 2004, as part of the International
Terrorism Watch Project, Observer Research Foundation had conducted an international
conference on Maritime Counter Terrorism at New Delhi. However, with the importance of the
seas to our well being and prosperity, it was clear that ORF could play a leading role in providing
quality inputs to the policy makers on maritime matters.
It was thus decided that ORF would launch the Maritime Security Programme (MSP) under the
aegis of the Institute of Security Studies headed by General (Retd.) VP Malik. Commodore (Retd.)
RS Vasan, ORF, Chennai Chapter was designated as the Chief Coordinator for the Maritime Security
Programme. It was also decided that ORF would join hands with National Maritime Foundation
and the College of Naval Warfare to promote India’s maritime interests.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, formally launched the MSP on 18th May
2006 at a function organised in Chennai. The Chief of the Naval Staff lauded the efforts of ORF
and expressed his happiness that think tanks such as ORF and NMF were jointly promoting maritime
interests. The launch was followed by a day long seminar on various maritime matters.
In the run up to the International Maritime Security Conference, ORF along with NMF and the
College of Naval Warfare conducted brain storming sessions with the stake holders at Mumbai and
Chennai respectively.
The International Maritime Security Conference was organised at Mumbai on
12th and 13th January 2007. The theme chosen was “Maritime Trade and Security:
Striking the Right Balance”. The conference was conducted at INHS
Aswini and was well attended by all sections of maritime community, both
from trade and security agencies. The Governor of Maharashtra His Excellency
Mr SM Krishna inaugurated the conference. The Flag Officer Commanding in
Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral SS Byce delivered the keynote
address and also provided all the support at Mumbai for the successful conduct
of the event. The delegates and elite from Mumbai attended the conference dinner onboard Indian
Museum Ship Vikrant.
It was also decided to present the summary, findings and recommendations to the policy makers
at New Delhi without delay. Accordingly, flagged issues along with recommendations were presented
to an invited audience in the presence of the Raksha Mantri, The Chief of the Naval Staff
and the Director General Coast Guard. The Raksha Mantri Mr AK Antony delivered the special
address. He also expressed his happiness that the two major think tanks and an institute of higher
learning had come together to provide a useful platform for experts to share their views and discuss
the way ahead to ensure that the right balance between the conflicting requirements of trade and
STUDIES &
INITIATIVES
Annual Report 2007 ◆ Observer Research Foundation
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