Lok Sabha Question No. 5623 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5623

ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026

UN CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

5623. SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY

SHRI KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI

DR SANJAY JAISWAL

SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the status of the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative in fostering high-level maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral States;

(b) the steps taken by the Government to ensure a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in strict adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

(c) the details of recent White Shipping Information Sharing agreements signed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and combat nontraditional threats like piracy and "dark shipping";

(d)   whether   the   Government   has   proposed   a   formal   "Blue   Economy Partnership Framework" for the BIMSTEC region to promote sustainable deep-sea mining and ocean conservation, if so, the details thereof; and (e) the diplomatic measures taken to address the challenges posed by "dual-use"   maritime   infrastructure   being   developed   by   extra-regional powers in India's extended neighborhood?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) India has fostered strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships with key partners and like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond to ensure Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR). Expanding on this strategic vision, Hon'ble Prime Minister outlined the MAHASAGAR doctrine i.e. "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' in March 2025 in Mauritius. While SAGAR focuses on security and growth within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), MAHASAGAR expands this vision to cover the broader Global South. MAHASAGAR encompasses the ideas of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future.

In line with MAHASAGAR initiative, India continues its commitment to the well-being and progress of nations in the region as a first responder and   net   security   provider   in   the   region.   Government   of   India   is committed to strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond, to ensure a favorable and positive maritime environment.  India also participates in regional frameworks to promote maritime cooperation and exchanges in the region.

In   line   with   this   vision,   India   has   been   focusing   on   development assistance,   capacity   building   initiatives,   economic   cooperation, connectivity,   HADR   support   and   defence   &   maritime   security cooperation, with an aim to assist countries in the region on sustainable socio-economic development.

(b) India consistently maintains that the United Nations Convention On the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS) is the legal basis for maritime rights, freedoms and dispute settlement, including in the Indo-Pacific. India signed   the   agreement   under   the   UNCLOS   on   the   Conservation   and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction   (BBNJ   Agreement)   on   25   September   2024.   This   reflects

India's   commitment   to   comprehensive,   UNCLOS-consistent   ocean governance that extends beyond national jurisdiction to the high seas- a concrete step towards a rules-based maritime order, including in the Indo-Pacific region.

(c) India   has   signed   White   Shipping   Information   Sharing   (WSIE) agreements with five countries in the last five years.

(d) Government of India has not made any formal proposal in respect of a BIMSTEC Blue Economy Partnership Framework.

(e) The   Government   of   India   continues   to   carefully   monitor   any developments   having   a   bearing   on   India's   security   and   economic interests, and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them.

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