The 5th NMF-EoV Workshop on Holistic Maritime Security

Highlights from the 5th NMF-Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Workshop on Holistic Maritime Security

Session One: Exploring Maritime Visions and Trade Connectivity

The opening session set a vibrant tone for the workshop, featuring thought-provoking discussions and distinguished speakers:

🔹 H.E. Mr Nguyen Thanh Hai, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to India, Bhutan, and Nepal, and Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Director-General, National Maritime Foundation, delivered compelling opening remarks.

🔹 Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Chairman, National Shipping Board, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, presented a detailed address on India’s “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047” and “Maritime India Vision 2030.”

🔹 Dr Prabir De, Adjunct Fellow, NMF, and Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, provided an in-depth analysis of India-Vietnam maritime trade flows and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The session underscored the vast potential for strengthening maritime connectivity and trade cooperation between India and Vietnam, laying a robust foundation for the discussions to follow.

Session Two: Advancing Sustainable Maritime Connectivity

Session Two delved deeper into actionable insights for enhancing maritime connectivity:

🔹 Dr Le Quang Trung, Vice President of the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) and Vice President of the Vietnam Logistics Association (ALC), highlighted the prospects of Vietnam-India maritime connections, with a focus on green goals and sustainable development.

🔹 Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Director-General, National Maritime Foundation, elaborated on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and its transformative potential for regional connectivity.

Session Three: Critical Maritime Developments

Session Three featured thought-provoking presentations on vital maritime issues:

🔹 Dr Nguyen Nam Duong, Deputy Director General, DAV, East Sea (South China Sea) Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam, discussed recent developments in the South China Sea, offering valuable insights into the evolving regional dynamics.

🔹 Captain Kamlesh Kumar Agnihotri, Senior Fellow, National Maritime Foundation, presented an assessment of China’s Maritime Situational Awareness and Maritime Domain Awareness.

🔹 Commander Abeer Sharma, representing the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, provided a briefing on India’s Maritime Situational Awareness and Maritime Domain Awareness.

🔹 Ms Sushmita Sihwag, Junior Research Associate, National Maritime Foundation, outlined a future roadmap for India-Vietnam connectivity, emphasising strategic opportunities for collaboration.

Closing Session: Strengthening India-Vietnam Maritime Ties

The workshop concluded with reflections on shared achievements and forward-looking goals:

Closing remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr Nguyen Thanh Hai, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to India, Bhutan, and Nepal, and Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Director-General, National Maritime Foundation, highlighting shared goals and maritime collaboration.

Vote of thanks by Commodore Manish Sinha, Executive Director, National Maritime Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and contributors.

Exchange of mementoes between the two parties symbolized the enduring partnership and mutual respect that strengthen India-Vietnam maritime ties.