Embassy of India

Muscat

***

Sagar Maitri – IV Mission

RECEPTION ONBOARD INS SAGARDHWANI

Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

Dr. Nasser Al Habsi, Assistant Dean of Research, Dr. Saud Al Jufaily, Head of Department of Marine Science, Sultan Qaboos University and other members of the faculty from the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, 

Dr. Daud Al Yahyai, Director General, Fisheries Research and his team,

Indian Armed Forces veterans, Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening, Salam Alekum, Namaskar,

It is a privilege for me to welcome you this evening onboard India’s leading oceanographic research ship Sagardhwani. 

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to our esteemed Omani dignitaries from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University who have joined us tonight. 

Your presence here signifies the strong and enduring bonds of cooperation that exist between our two nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This visit of INS Sagardhwani to Muscat is evidence of India’s firm belief in the importance of international collaboration for oceanographic research and conservation. 

The visit of this ship comes under the SAGAR MAITRI programme which is a unique initiative under our Prime Minister’s policy of  SAGAR, which is an acronym for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

The collaboration between our countries in this field is not new, but it is now being reinvigorated with the visit of INS Sagardhwani. 

It would be enlightening for most of us to know that, in the historic International Indian Ocean Expeditions (IIOE) during 1962-65, an Indian Naval Ship named Kistna had visited these waters and followed a track upto Salalah collecting valuable ocean data from the international waters. This was under a pioneering international programme in the Indian Ocean Region which was also instrumental in triggering ocean research in India.

As part of the SAGAR MAITRI programme, INS Sagardhwani isseeking to emulate the role played by INS Kistna and revisit the selected tracks and commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. 

Our oceanographic research ship, a symbol of our dedication to the oceans, serves as a platform for scientists, researchers, and experts to work together. It is a vessel that fosters unity in the quest for knowledge. 

The data we collect, the discoveries we make, and the innovations we develop are the building blocks for a more sustainable and prosperous future. 

During their interactions over the past few days, the team of scientists from the ship have had useful discussions with the students and faculty of Sultan Qaboos University and would continue doing so, during the one-day sea sortie where live data collection and analysis would be demonstrated to the students. 

There have been fruitful engagements with officials from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources as well. H.E. Yaqoub and his officers have been onboard the ship since afternoon and I sincerely appreciate their assistance and cooperation. 

I express my sincere gratitude to the distinguished faculty members of Sultan Qaboos University for providing us with an opportunity to conduct a joint workshop on Oceanography of Arabian Sea.

Excellencies, dear friends,

The ocean, covering more than two-thirds of our planet, remains one of the least explored and yet most critical ecosystems for our world's future. It is the lifeblood of our Earth, regulating climate, providing sustenance, and holding untold secrets of biodiversity and ecosystems. However, the challenges that face our oceans are evolving and becoming more complex. Climate change, plastic pollution, and the depletion of marine resources continue to test our resolve. 

It is only through continued collaboration and a renewed commitment to action that we – India and Oman - can effectively address these challenges. We must work together, sharing knowledge, technology, and resources to protect and preserve our shared ocean.

I am confident that with collaborative efforts, both our countries can better understand the physical and marine ecological nature of the seas joining us. In doing so, the oceanographic research and collaboration promises to deliver real benefits for our people, while also protecting and preserving our rich natural heritage.

Before concluding, I would like to place on record our gratitude to the Captain of the ship, Commander Praveen Kumar and his team for putting together this evening. 

Have a pleasant evening.

Thank you. 

Jai Hind!