New Delhi, Nov 24, : , India’s engagement has been strong with the world, especially the Indian Ocean Region, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday, while praising the Armed Forces as being the first responder to disaster relief operations and humanitarian aid in the region. Singh, who was essentially launching the 5th World Congress on Disaster Management, said that India’s unique position within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Armed Forces capability enable it to contribute significantly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief situations.
He stated that the armed forces had demonstrated time and again that they care about and stand by the country’s partners in times when it is needed, regardless of whether there are natural or man-made catastrophes.
The minister reiterated India’s vision for the Indian Ocean, as encapsulated in the concept of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
(SAGAR), as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh emphasized that SAGAR includes both distinct and interrelated elements, such as strengthening economic and security cooperation between the littoral states and enhancing capacities to protect land and maritime territories.
Working towards sustainable regional development, Blue Economy, and encouraging collective action to address non-traditional threats such as natural disasters and piracy.
He stated that, while each element requires equal attention, the development of an effective response mechanism for humanitarian crises or natural disasters is one pillar of SAGAR.
Singh made special mention in his speech of notable Indian humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in the IOR.These included Operation Rahat in Yemen (2015), which saw India rescue and evacuate over 6,700 people, including more than 1,940 citizens from more than 40 countries.Cyclone Idai in Mozambique in 2019 and flooding and landslides at Madagascar in January 2020, where Indian assistance was immediately provided.
He said that India’s commitment to Covid-19 has not been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was evident in India’s response to the oil spillage in Mauritius in august 2020 and the Sri Lankan oil tanker fires in September 2020.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted India’s leadership and offered expertise in Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to friendly countries.
India’s first proposal for a coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure (CDRI), was made during the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in New Delhi.He said that it is an international coalition of countries, United Nations agencies, multilateral banks, the private sector, and academic institutions that aims to promote disaster resilience infrastructure.
Singh said that India has been conducting regular exercises to strengthen the HADR cooperation and coordination with its neighbours, and friendly countries with a particular focus on sharing expertise as well as building capabilities.
He called for closer cooperation to strengthen international architecture in order to build structures that can prevent and manage future catastrophes.
He also suggested that a comprehensive assessment be done of the effects of the pandemic on implementation of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.He emphasized the need for new ideas to be incorporated into national and global strategies for implementing the goals.
The 5th World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM), was held in New Delhi, November 24-27, on the campus of IIT Delhi.It focused on the theme Technology, Finance and Capacity for Building Disaster Resilience in the context of Covid-19.
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